the common routine. The Prince, therefore, was much perturbed in
mind, and cast about him for a trustworthy associate. By an associate he
meant some one on whom he could test the quality of his deceit--in other
words, he liked to try his sword on gossamer and granite before he
struck out at commoner materials. Among his friendships, he prosecuted
none with such zeal as that with the Lady Sara de Treverell. As the
member of a great Russian house, she was especially attractive to
Alberian speculation, but her beauty and cleverness no doubt assisted
the Ambassador's determination to make himself agreeable. The two
constantly exchanged letters, and, as the Princess d'Alchingen was an
invalid who devoted her hours to spiritual reading, she gladly permitted
Lady Sara's influence, realising--with the priceless knowledge of a
spirit made reasonable through pain--that the girl was romantic and the
Prince incurably old. His flaxen wig heightened the tone of a complexion
much ravaged by gout and its antidotes. His nebulous eyes with twitching
lids were not improved by the gold-rimmed glasses which magnified their
insignificance. He possessed a striking nose and chin, but, as these
features were more characteristic than delightful, they offered his wife
no occasions for serious anxiety. Whenever His Excellency required
feminine advice, it was considered quite _en regle_ that Lady Sara
should be consulted. The Princess herself drove him to St. James's
Square on the afternoon following Mr. Disraeli's call. She sent _milles
tendresses_ to her _cherie_, and bitterly regretted that she was not
well enough to leave the carriage. The Prince kissed her hand, bowed
superbly, stood bareheaded in a draught till the brougham drove away (in
these matters he had no equal), and, having warned Sara of his intended
visit by a special messenger, he had the pleasure of finding the young
lady alone. Following her custom, she was appropriately dressed for the
occasion in prune-coloured velvet, which suggested dignity, and very
beautiful antique Spanish lace, which symbolized the long endurance of
things apparently too delicate, subtle, and trifling for the assaults of
time. The Prince kissed both of her white hands, and lamented the
obstacles which had kept them apart for so many insupportable weeks. He
had lived on her letters. They had been, however, few and short.

"What is troubling you, sir?" asked Sara, "you look pale."

"For once in my life I wi