Page:By order of the Czar.djvu/403



BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 391

block the way of even the most charitable of Muscovite monarchs.

The diplomatic skillfulness and pleasant geniality of Walter Milbanke brought to bear upon the amiable and happy nature of Sam S\vynford through the medium of Dick Chetwynd, have brought about a complete recon- ciliation between the Forsyths and the merry sisters. It is satisfactory to be able still to give them that familiar title, the merry sisters.

Sam and Dolly, at the suggestion of clever Mrs. Mil- banke, have made their home in the best part of the fashionable regions of Kensington. The fortunate young stockbroker, lucky in his marriage as in his finan- cial speculations, had been able to give to Dolly all her heart could desire, and at the same time to provide Mrs. Milbanke with a house of call not less luxurious and comfortable than her own. It is quite possible that under the influence rather of Mrs. Milbanke's ambition than the desire of her sister Dolly, Mr. Swinford may yet be heard of in the great legislative council of the nation ; net that he cares for public honors, but he has made sufficient money to command the attention of one of the great parties in the City, is popular wherever he goes, has already refused a seat in the County Council, has been elected a member of one of the great party clubs. He and his wife are on the reception list of the Prime Minister's discreet and accomplished wife ; and his coach at the last Hyde Park Corner meeting was the best appointed of the day, and certainly carried two of the most attractive women of the season, Mrs. Swinford and Mrs. Milbanke, the wife of the well-known conveyancing solicitor.

They met Philip Forsyth for the first time since their marriage at a quiet little dinner given by Lady Forsyth at Richmond. Philip was inclined to be somewhat bashful at the outset, but was speedily placed at his ease by the