Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/42

 woman, a reigning beauty at the Italian Court—You remember the Marchese, Angelo?—often said to me, Bellisima mia—she always addressed me as bellisima mia—'you are led too much by your heart.'"

"I suppose you are going to the Queen's Garden Party, Mrs. Dumaresq," said the medical lady, who had been reading the Court Circular.

"Oh, ah, yes," replied Mrs. Dumaresq, "I expect I shall. It is easy for me to go at any time."

"But guests must have attended a Drawing-room within the last two years to be eligible for invitations," said Mr. Lorimer gruffly, "and I thought you said you were out of England."

"Certainly, certainly," answered Mrs. Dumaresq, "we have of course been away, but the dear Prince will arrange all that; and then, practically speaking, I have attended a Drawing-room within the last two years."

No one asked what she meant.

Meantime Miss Semaphore was reading the following letter:—