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 If Victoria knew of the impending engagement, she was quite capable of making a desperate opposition. Philippa's heart hardened with a passing qualm of hate; she sat up suddenly and angrily. Almost she had admitted to herself that she was no fit mate for such a man, and that the effort that Victoria would undoubtedly make was founded on a quite accurate penetration of her real character. The momentary spasm of dislike that had gripped her returned a hundredfold stronger, steady and burning. She must lose the excitement of her present life, because her hand was forced; she must make sure of the brilliant future her marriage to Morton Conway would bring. The cards of that trick must be played and the mystery of her game dispelled; all because a long-absent member of her set had seen fit to return too soon.

A ring at the door-bell roused her. Hastily she smoothed her hair, and assumed a pose of absent-minded grace.

"Monsieur Valdeck," announced the butler, in a gentle tone of self-effacement.

The sea-green portières parted and the visitor 76