To-morrow, at any hour you choose, one from amongst us shall explain the whole matter--and the part to be borne in it by the Countess!" "And to-night ?" Mr.Sabin asked.
The Prince shrugged his shoulders and glanced at the clock.
"To-night, my dear friend," he said, "all of us, I believe, go on to a ball at Carmarthen House.

It would grieve me also, I am sure, Duke, to seem inhospitable, but I am compelled to mention the fact that the hour for which the carriages have been ordered is already at hand." Mr.Sabin reflected for a few moments.
"Did I understand you to say," he asked, "that the help to be given to you by my wife, Lucille, Duchess of Souspennier, entailed her remaining under this roof ?" The Prince smiled seraphically.
"It is unfortunate," he murmured, "since you have been so gallant as to follow her, but it is true! You will understand this perfectly--to-morrow." "And why should I wait until to-morrow ?" Mr.Sabin asked coolly.
"I fear," the Prince said, "that it is a matter of necessity." Mr.Sabin glanced for a moment in turn at the faces of all the little company as though seeking to discover how far the attitude of his opponent met with their approval.

Lady Carey's thin lips were curved in a smile, and her eyes met his mockingly.

The others remained imperturbable.

Last of all he looked at Lucille.
"It seems," he said, smiling towards her, "that I am called upon to pay a heavy entrance fee on my return amongst your friends.