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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 179

" Not more than it has to be prepared for all of them, the awkward creatures ; they must have assistance. But one does not prepare the way for unwilling lovers ! Philip loves you, are you not sure of that ? "

" Oh, yes," said Dolly ; " he thinks I have beautiful eyes and a fine complexion and a good temper, and that I dress well and have an independent fortune, and all that ! "

" And all that ? " exclaimed Jenny, " and much more. What silly novel have you been reading lately ? "

" Only the novel we really see about us all the time the novel that nobody writes the reality of London society and London life the truth of every day. I don't mind, Jenny, I take it all as it is ; but when you and I are alone, dear, don't expect me to pretend, as I do when Walter is with us or anybody else."

" Walter ? Dolly ! Do you mean to say I deceive Walter?"

lt Deceive him ? No, my darling, not more than he knows you do ; we all deceive each other; it is necessary to our happiness more or less. But you and me, Jenny, we are generally perfectly frank ; we have no two natures to keep separated for each other. I love Philip and he loves me, but not in that ecstatic devoted Romeo and Juliet fashion that you have been trying to think of for me in a sentimental moment."

" Oh, Dolly, you are growing worldly I am sure you are. I would not have believed it if you had not told me ! "

" I have not told you anything of the kind. I am not growing anything different from what I have ever been, but I do not try to persuade myself that I am different ; and I am not going to make out that I am breaking my heart because Mr. Forsyth has not called or written or done something that is usual with young men when they ask young women to marry them. I like Philip well enough, I quite appreciate all you say about the possibilities of the