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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 307

make a young fellow happy. Good health, plenty of money, a genial and generous disposition, no social or political ambition ; but he wanted Dolly Norcott. Once or twice during the day he had asked himself why he should not go to Italy ? He could afford the time ; there was nothing in his business at the moment that could not wait for him ; he had no harassing speculations ; the money he had recently made was the result of time-bargains which were over. Then he asked himself, supposing he went to Italy what satisfaction he could possibly get out of such a trip ? He would meet the Milbankes and Dolly, of course ; but between him and them stood Philip For- syth, successful and in possession.

Devereux knocked at the door and came in while these varied thoughts and emotions were passing in weary repe- tition through his master's mind.

" Ten minutes to eight, sir."

" All right, Devereux, I am ready."

" Two telegrams, sir," said Devereux.

Swynford opened the first.

" Dinner will be quarter of an hour later than arranged, but happy to see you as soon as you like."

" That's lucky," said Swynford to his servant. " Needn't hurry."

" Yes, sir," said Devereux, handing his master the second message, which Swynford read twice over with an emotion he could not disguise from Devereux.

" When did this come ? " he exclaimed, his voice full of its customary energy, his manner alert and excited.

" At one o'clock, sir."

11 Good heavens, man," said Swynford, " why didn't you let me know? "

" I could not, sir," Devereux replied.

" No, of course not," said the master, striding rapidly across the room and back again, looking at himself in the mirror, then at Devereux, then at the telegram.