He is downstairs now, looking the picture of misery." He looked at her inquiringly.

There was a curious steely light in her eyes, and she was showing her front teeth, which were a little prominent.
"Do you think," he asked, "that she has deceived us ?" "What else?
Where are the Dorsets ?" "The Duchess is with the Earl of Condon, and some more people at the round table under the balcony." "Give me your arm," she whispered.

"We must go and ask her." They crossed the room together.

Lady Carey sank into a vacant chair by the side of the Duchess and talked for a few minutes to the people whom she knew.

Then she turned and whispered in the Duchess's ear.
"Where is Lucille ?" The Duchess looked at her with a meaning smile.
"How should I know?
She left when we did." "Alone ?" "Yes.