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164, had been seen in the refreshment room in close conclave with Blake. The talk ran that Blake's speech had done more than anything to shake the Ministry. Sir James had given particular instructions to his womenkind that they should "cotton up" to Blake. Blake was an enemy whom it might be well to conciliate.

Lady Garfit, therefore, had arranged that Rose should dance the first dance with Blake. Hose was not an exhilarating companion. Her conversation consisted mostly of remarks to the effect that Lady Stukeley was too sweet, and that the Prince was almost certain to be in Leichardt's Town for the Birthnight Ball; which—had Mr. Blake heard?—was put off till the 12th of June on account of the uncertainty about the Prince. Lady Stukeley had told Lady Garfit that they were expecting a telegram every moment to fix the date. This was not deeply interesting to Blake. He fired a little when Miss Garfit asked him if he did not think Miss Valliant looked lovely. It was such a pity that she was such a dreadful flirt, and got herself so talked about.

Miss Garfit was getting up riding parties—they were to be Parliamentary riding parties—it was only on Wednesdays and Saturdays that the members were free. Would Mr. Blake join them, and had he that lovely horse, which Miss Valliant rode at the Tunimba races, in Leichardt's Town?

"Yes," but Blake made a bold shot. It had been promised to Miss Valliant, and he—Blake—was bound to escort her.

Oh, but Rose Garfit would be greatly pleased if Miss Valliant and Lord and Lady Horace would join their riding-parties. Lord Horace was always amusing. Didn't Mr. Blake think so?

No, Blake could not quite agree with her. He thought Lord Horace was a bit of a cub, and that his wife was much too good for him. The only decent member of that family was Lady Waveryng.

Miss Garfit looked a little horrified at this familiar criticism. Had Mr. Blake known them in England?