Empires.

Though the Earl of Bracondale was confined to his bed, the foreign
policy of the nation had still to be conducted, and he had resumed
control of affairs as soon as ever his hand could use a pen.

A whole stream of officials from Downing Street, and others, called at
Bracondale daily and passed through his room. And to each and sundry he
gave precise and implicit instructions, the marvellously ingenious
policy evolved by his remarkable brain.

"It is time for your medicine," Jean said, in a soft voice, as she
entered. "It was due half an hour ago, but I hesitated to disturb you
with your visitor."

"Quite right, nurse. Never disturb me when Mr. Darnborough calls. My
business with him is always of the very highest importance, and always
strictly confidential."

Jean crossed to the small round table whereon stood the bottle and
medicine-glass, and after measuring the mixture carefully, handed it to
him, asking:

"Is your shoulder quite easy now?"

"Quite, nurse," was his reply, as, raising himself on his other elbow,
he tossed off the medicine, pulling a wry face afterwards. Then, with a
calm, set expression upon his countenance, he looked at her, and
remarked:

"I should think nursing must be a terribly dull, monotonous life, isn't
it? Surely the continual atmosphere of the sick-room is very
depressing?"

"I do not find it so," she replied brightly, with her pretty French
accent. "I am devoted to my calling."

"I quite recognise that," said his lordship, looking into her sweet,
serious eyes. "Yet it requires a good deal of self-denial, I should
imagine."

"Perhaps," and she smiled. "But self-denial is one of the first lessons
learnt in our Sisterhood."

"You joined the Sisterhood in France, did you not?" he asked.

"Yes; at the chief convent at Enghien, near Paris. But, of course, I
have not yet taken my vows as a nun."

"You intend to do so, I suppose?"

She was silent a few seconds; then, with her eyes averted, she answered
frankly:

"It is more than possible."

"Would it not be a great sacrifice? Remember, you are young. Why should
you cut yourself off so entirely from the world?"

Again she was silent. Then, seeing that he awaited her reply, she
answered:

"If I take the vows I shall do so because I have certain reasons for so
doing."

"Strong reasons?" he asked, still looking into her face.

She raised her fine eyes to his again, and nodded in the affirmative.

Then she turne