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B* ORDER OF THE CZAR. 309

" All right, Devereux. I will be back in a quarter of an hour."

Svvynford, now all bustle and excitement, took up his hat and cane and walked to the nearest telegraph office, re- peating to himself the words of that second telegram from Venice to which he was now formulating his answer.

"From Mrs, Milbanke, Hotel Beau Rivage, Venice: . Regard this as private; but come to Venice immediately; not direct to this hotel, but to Damiano's. I believe I can arrange everything to your satisfaction. Wire me at once, naming train you leave by.

"JENNIE MILBANKE."

To which Swynford answered, writing the message with the calm deliberation which had succeeded his excitement, as follows:

" Samuel Swynford to Mrs. Milbanke, Hotel Beau Rivage, Venice: A thousand thanks for your welcome telegram. Trying to understand it; of course with sel* fish hopes. Am leaving by the Paris mail to-night. Shall go through to Milan and straight on to Venice. Wire me to Grand Hotel, Milan. Hope there is no mis* take about your message. Sincere regards.

" SAM SWYNFORD."

The nearest telegraph office was at Burlington House. Sam had jostled several persons in Piccadilly on his way to it. An old gentleman called him a " bear." " Not always," said Sam to himself. " Sometimes a bull, but always the right animal, fortunately j hope I'm going to reverse the old proverb about luck in love; though my luck is not at cards, they say the Stock Exchange is as bad as cards. Am I really going to be lucky in love as well? "

All kinds of romantic hopes went rattling through his

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