The frail, yet proudly-erect figure was seated in the big chair; she looked thinner and more haggard; and Derrick, as he stood before her, feared that she was still suffering from the shock of the overturned lamp.

She held out her hand, for the first time; and as Derrick took it, he felt it tremble under the pressure of his.
"You sent for me, your Excellency ?" he said.
"Yes," she answered in a low voice, as she waved him to a chair which had been placed, either accidentally or by her orders, near her.

"I have arrived at a decision--about--the machinery.

I wish you to go to England for it." Derrick could not repress a start, and he stared at her, somewhat aghast.
"Want me to go---- ?" he said, changing colour.

"But I'm afraid--have you forgotten what I told you about--about the trouble of the cheque ?" "No, I have not forgotten," she said, in the same low voice.