ally it is of no consequence," the Prince answered, "but
your womenfolk feel these things so keenly, and Mr. Vanderpole is of the
same nationality, is he not, as Miss Morse? If you take my advice, you
will be sure that they do not see the paper until after they get home
this evening."

"Has anything happened to Dicky?" Somerfield asked quickly.

The Prince's face was impassive; he seemed not to have heard. Penelope
had turned to wait for them.

"The Duchess thinks that we had better all go into the box," she said.
"We have two stalls as well, but as Dicky is not here there is really
room for five. Will you get some programmes, Sir Charles?"

Somerfield stopped for a minute, under pretence of seeking some change,
and tore open his paper. The Prince led Penelope down the carpeted way.

"I heard what you and Sir Charles were saying," she declared quietly.
"Please tell me what it is that has happened to Dicky?"

The Prince's face was grave.

"I am sorry," he replied. "I did not know that our voices would travel
so far."

"It was not yours," she said. "It was Sir Charles'. Tell me quickly what
it is that has happened?"

"Mr. Vanderpole," the Prince answered, "has met with an accident,--a
somewhat serious one, I fear. Perhaps," he added, "it would be as well,
after all, to break this to the Duchess. I was forgetting the prejudices
of your country. She will doubtless wish that our party should be broken
up."

Penelope was suddenly very white. He whispered in her ear.

"Be brave," he said. "It is your part."

She stood still for a moment, and then moved on. His words had had a
curious effect upon her. The buzzing in her ears had ceased; there was
something to be done--she must do it! She passed into the box, the door
of which the attendant was holding open.

"Duchess," she said, "I am so sorry, but I am afraid that something has
happened to Dicky. If you do not mind, I am going to ask Sir Charles to
take me home."

"But my dear child!" the Duchess exclaimed.

"Miss Morse is quite right," the Prince said quietly. "I think it would
be better for her to leave at once. If you will allow me, I will explain
to you later."

She left the box without another word, and took Somerfield's arm.

"We two are to go," she murmured. "The Prince will explain to the
Duchess."

The Prince closed the box door behind them. He placed a chair for the
Duchess so that she was not in view of the house.

"A very sad thing has happ