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298 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.

" How well Dolly looks to-night," said Jenny to Philip.

" Yes," he replied, " but she always looks well."

" Lacks that pasty kind of complexion that painters admire, though ? "

" I think not," he said.

" Has not the charm that foreign women have then, is that it?"

" I think she has every charm a woman can desire, or a man who seeks a good and beautiful wife."

" My dear Mr. Forsyth," continued Jenny, " you are either a fool or you think Dolly is. Don't start, it will be noticed. If I were Walter, do you know how I should view your conduct to-night ? "

" Mrs. Milbanke ! " exclaimed Philip. " I do not un- derstand you."

" I think I understand you, sir," said Jenny, losing all that wonderful calmness and control of herself which she had resolved five minutes previously to exercise.

" If you do, it is hardly polite to say so in such offensive terms."

" Do not let go my arm," said Jenny. " I do not wish to attract attention ; you have done enough in that direc- tion already."

" I ! " Philip exclaimed.

" You," said Jenny. " You have had no eyes for any- one, no thoughts for anyone since our arrival except for this countess, this mysterious woman who gives you sit- tings and makes her appearance in Venice unexpectedly, when she has learnt from you that you are paying a visit to the place. Your neglect of Dolly to-night, sir, your con- tinual, your undivided attention to that red-haired woman, sir, has been in the nature of an insult to Dolly, to me, and to Walter. Keep my arm, sir ! The honor may not be repeated, and, as I said before, I do not want to make a