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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 323

blushes forth in the midst of roses, or what is it? I'm not good at poetical quotation."

"Quite good enough," said Walter. "That's the place."

" And a little cottage in a shabby village when we get there ? " said Swynford.

" By no means," said Walter.

turning to Dolly.
 * It was so in the play, you know," said Swynford,

" This is not a play," rejoined Walter, " and we don't want any of your comedy dialogue, Sam ; only a little of your common sense."

" All right," said Sam. "Proceed; all my common sense is at your disposal. Not got much of it, but such as it is and all I have pray command me."

" Do you propose to give us the pleasure of your company ? " asked Walter.

" I propose to give myself the pleasure of your com- pany."

" For how long ? " asked Walter.

" Until you're tired of me \ and as regards Dolly, even a little longer."

" You talked this morning of sending to London for some luggage."

" I have sent for my Sunday clothes," said Sam, laughing.

" To this address ? "

11 To the Hotel Milano."

" Do you think they are on their way by this ? "

" I hope so."

il Very well, then ; you can give instructions at the Hotel Milano to have them sent on to the Hotel Bel- aggio."

" Consider it done, my dear Walter," said Sam.

" I am going up to the station now," said Walter " to arrange for a saloon carriage to Verona."