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 enough, but to Philippa, soaked in French novels, it was the realization of the baleful and belauded cabinet particulier. Valdeck apologized for the shabbiness of his hospitality, but pointed out the fact that a meeting with any of their acquaintances would be practically out of the question.

The waiter, after discreetly knocking, entered with cocktails on a silver waiter, and presented the bill of fare and wine-card with a gesture worthy of Lord Chesterfield.

Valdeck acquitted himself of the task of selection, ordered the champagne to be brut and frappé, and by his evident knowledge of things culinary, went up several points in his guest's estimation.

Left alone once more, he seated Philippa on the divan, took his place on the chair opposite, persuaded her to remove not only her wraps but her hat, and showed himself a thoughtful and attentive host. Presenting her with the cocktail, he bowed gravely.

"A vos beaux yeux," he murmured, tenderly.

She drank the beverage, and as its glow began 146