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 was the longest time before I could get to sleep after all the excitement. That is a pretty dress, she added, as she sat down. I don't believe you've worn it here before.

The Countess was conscious of a new note in Lou's voice, a new sympathy in Lou's manner. It occurred to her to wonder if her own mood had created this illusion.

I'm feeling extraordinarily well, the Countess replied, and her tone was hearty and replete with veracity. It was a marvellous night, she added.

I should think so, commented Lou. What does the Star say?

O, there are columns.

Lou seized the paper and began to scan the pages, emitting, now and again, little chuckles of pleasure. I don't believe, she asserted, that any one else has ever been so honoured here before.

I'm really glad it's over. It was embarrassing, the Countess declared.

Lou leaned forward; her manner was warm, appealing.

Ella, she said, you do like it better here now, don't you? I watched you last night. You seemed to have changed; something seemed to have come over you.

Lou, you are keen. Last night, for some strange reason, I actually began to enjoy myself. . . . Not that you haven't been good to me. You've done everything you could. . . wonders, really, but