Chauvelin," she said, as he stopped on the top of the stairs, bowing elaborately before her, "my coach is outside; may I claim your arm ?" As gallant as ever, he offered her his arm and led her downstairs.

The crowd was very great, some of the Minister's guests were departing, others were leaning against the banisters watching the throng as it filed up and down the wide staircase.
"Chauvelin," she said at last desperately, "I must know what has happened." "What has happened, dear lady ?" he said, with affected surprise.

"Where?
When ?" "You are torturing me, Chauvelin.

I have helped you to-night.

.