maid to give it to Lord Dorimont, or at least to his man.'
"'And Lord Dorimont went away directly after luncheon.'
"'Of course he gave it back to my maid, or else his man did,' said Lady Augusta. 'I dare say it's all right.'
"The conscience of these people is like a summer sea. They haven't time to look over a priceless composition; they've only time to kick it about the house. I suggested that the 'man', fired with a noble emulation, had perhaps kept the work for his own perusal; and her ladyship wanted to know whether, if the thing didn't turn up again in time for the session appointed by our hostess, the author wouldn't have something else to read that would do just as well. Their questions are too delightful! I declared to Lady Augusta briefly that nothing in the world can ever do so well as the thing that does best, and at this she looked a little confused and scared. But I added that if the manuscript had gone astray, our little circle would have the less of an effort of attention to make. The piece in question was very long; it would keep them three hours.
"'Three hours! Oh, the princess will get up!' said Lady Augusta.
"'I thought she was Mr. Paraday's greatest admirer.'
"'I dare say she is—she's so awfully clever. But what's the use of being a princess———'
