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300 attracted their interest, if not their sympathies. Only, the Van der Welckes must not think that their memory was so poor that they did not remember the “case” jolly well. . . . Only, the Van der Welckes ought not to have come back to the Hague, bringing fresh scandal into the exalted morality of the different Hague sets. . . . Only, there must be no question that people who were so much talked about should dream of being presented to Court. . ..

“And nevertheless they do intend to be presented. . . .”

Constance, in her quiet happiness, noticed none of it; and Van der Welcke, who, at the club, was within nearer range of the cross-fire, did indeed sometimes observe a look and gesture, sometimes overheard a word, but thought it of no consequence, even when it caused him a moment’s irritation.