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 "Oh," she said, awkwardly, "it's very handsome and most unusual."

"I must go," Philippa mourned, and with an affectionate backward glance, moved toward her hostess. "Such a charming time, my dear Mrs. Despard. You must come to my Thursdays. I hear the Russian consul is here; do point him out to me."

"Is he?" queried madame, languidly. "I don't know, I'm sure; some one must have brought him. Yes, do come again."

"Let's go," said Victoria, shortly, as Philippa left them, "I want to talk to you; I want to get out of this." Mrs. Durham looked astonishment, but Victoria persisted.

"Let's leave immediately, if you don't mind—that is —I'm upset."

Mrs. Durham sent a diagnosing glance over her charge and nodded, her face becoming serious. "Is anything the matter?" she asked.

"I don't know," answered Victoria, helplessly; "I wish I did."

Mrs. Durham promptly linked her arm through her friend's, and bore her rapidly down the room 125