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 him, as though he were on a leash, he felt, to the dining-room. The huge table was adorned with a rich profusion of orchids and silver and glass. Crystal epergnes filled with fruit stood near the centre. Widely separated places were laid for two. The actress apparently viewed the arrangements with disfavour.

Hammond, she commanded, we shall dine in the library.

She led Ambrose to a small chamber which contained, among other furniture, a miniature Louis XV bookcase on the shelves of which reposed a number of recent novels. During the incredibly short interlude in which the servants were engaged in carrying out her orders, Ambrose was grateful for the opportunity to consume three more cocktails. Dinner was now served on a small Empire table. As many of the orchids as the board and two console tables would bear, together with more than enough silver and glass, had been transferred from the dining-room.

Ambrose's attempts at conversation were limited for the most part to monosyllabic replies. Imperia, however, did not seem to be dissatisfied. In spite of her expressed concern, he had never seen her more self-possessed and charming. Little by little, her