entured. The fact is,
he must have confused you with two other ladies of title who are great
friends of mine. I expect he heard me mention them, and--it was most
stupid and careless of him, I know--but he must have concluded I wanted
to see _them_, and brought _you_ by mistake."

"I see," said the Duchess; "though I don't understand how he came to
know our names and addresses, as he must have done to find us."

"Oh," said Queen Selina, with much presence of mind, "you're both of you
public characters, you know. He's such an old blunderer, he probably
couldn't find the right people, and thought you would do as well."

"I can only say," replied the Duchess, "that that impression of his has
put me to a great deal of personal inconvenience."

"I was carried off without a chance of ringing them up at the Carlton,
where I ought to have dined last night!" complained Lady Muscombe.

"If your Majesty will get a new Chamberlain--one who isn't an absolute
idiot," said the Duchess severely, "your house-party would be in less
danger of being recruited in this irregular manner."

"But I assure you I'm delighted to see your Grace, and you _too_, of
course, Lady Muscombe! I hope, now you _are_ here, you will stay as long
as ever you can. Such a pleasure always to his Majesty and myself to
welcome any of our own country-women! And now I will take you up to your
rooms, and you will no doubt be glad of a little rest before you come
down to lunch and meet the family."

"I cannot possibly appear at lunch in this dress," said the Duchess;
"but I shall be glad if you will send me up some food, and then I must
really start for home."

"So must I," declared Lady Muscombe; "there'll be a fuss if I'm not back
soon--and I simply _couldn't_ stay in any house without a single trunk,
or a maid either! It isn't giving me a fair chance!"

"I'm afraid the storks won't be fit for such a long return journey just
yet," said their hostess; "and it would be a pity to leave without
seeing something of Maerchenland, so I hope you will remain for at least
a night, as a favour to me. I see no one of any real distinction _now_!
And as for clothes, I can lend you all you require. You will excuse
their being out of the fashion--we don't get the latest Paris models
here."

"You're very kind," said the Duchess. "Then I will accept your
hospitality for the present."

"So will I--er--your Majesty, thanks," said Lady Muscombe. "It will be
something to tell