Tichborne. 'I hate men
who have always got an answer. There is no talking common sense with
them.'

The Duke made his escape to-day, and, emboldened by his illustrious
example, Charles Faulcon, Lord St. Jerome, and some other heroes
followed, to the great disgust of Sir Chetwode and Sir Tichborne.

As the evening glided on conversation naturally fell upon the amusements
of society.

'I am sure we are tired of dancing every night,' said Miss Dacre. 'I
wonder if we could introduce any novelty. What think you, Bertha? You
can always suggest.'

'You remember the _tableaux vivants_?' said Mrs. Dallington Vere.

'Beautiful! but too elaborate a business, I fear, for us. We want
something more impromptu. The _tableaux_ are nothing without brilliant
and accurate costume, and to obtain that we must work at least for a
week, and then, after all, in all probability, a failure. _Ils sont trop
recherches_,' she said, lowering her voice to Mrs. Dallington, '_pour
nous ici_. They must spring out of a society used to such exhibitions.'

'I have a costume dress here,' said the Duke of

St. James.

'And I have a uniform,' said Lord Mildmay.

'And then,' said Mrs. Dallington, 'there are cashmeres, and scarfs, and
jewels to be collected. I see, however, you think it impossible.'

'I fear so. However, we will think of it. In the meantime, what shall we
do now? Suppose we act a fairy tale?'

'None of the girls can act,' said Mrs. Dallington, with a look of kind
pity.

'Let us teach them. That itself will be an amusement. Suppose we act
Cinderella? There is the music of Cendrillon, and you can compose, when
necessary, as you go on. Clara Howard!' said May Dacre, 'come here,
love! We want you to be Cinderella in a little play.'

'I act! oh! dear May! How can you laugh at me so! I cannot act.'

'You will not have to speak. Only just move about as I direct you while
Bertha plays music.'

'Oh! dear May, I cannot, indeed! I never did act. Ask Eugenia!'

'Eugenia! If you are afraid, I am sure she will faint. I asked you
because I thought you were just the person for it.'

'But only think,' said poor Clara, with an imploring voice, 'to act,
May! Why, acting is the most difficult thing in the world. Acting is
quite a dreadful thing. I know many ladies who will not act.'

'But it is not acting, Clara. Well! I will be Cinderella, and you shall
be one of the sisters.'

'No, dear May!'

'Well, then, the Fairy?' 'No, dear, dear, d