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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 319

half the night similarly engaged, I cannot, for the life of me, understand. Philip deserted us, and practically threw over Dolly ; we shall not admit this outside our own little family circle, but that is the fact. Dolly was shamefully jilted. We only say that, I repeat, to ourselves. Sam Swynford comes upon the scene ; proposes for Dolly, as he had intended to do some weeks ago ; is accepted ; Dolly is happy ; Swynford is a good fellow, and he is happy; and what in heaven is the matter with you, Walter ? "

' How came Swynford here at all ? It is that which puzzles me," said Walter. " If you had been perfectly frank with me, I don't suppose we should have had these discussions. You are keeping something back."

Again he turned his face interrogatively upon Jenny. She pressed his hand and rose to her feet.

" You are always in such a hurry, Walter. I should have told you all in good time ; and I am sure you will forgive me now if you compel me to confess before I meant to. The telegram I sent to my dressmaker was not to my dressmaker at all ; it was a private message to Sam Swynford, inspired thereto by our conversation at Lady Forsyth's, and suggested to him that he should come to Venice."

" I thought so," said Walter.

" If you thought .so, why didn't you say so ; it would have spared us so much irritation."

u I am not irritated," said Walter, " and you know I would spare your feelings in every possible way; your subterfuge about the dressmaker was unworthy; and it was unkind also to keep me in the dark."

" I feel it was, dear ; I know if was. I confess it. I apologize ; my only excuse is that Dolly was with us when I told the little fib about the message ; I could not, of course, take her into my confidence ; as for you, dear, I humbly ask your forgiveness."