tions, and when she found that Lizzie did receive visitors in her
room, she sent up her card. The compliment was one much too great
to be refused. Lady Glencora stood so high in the world, that her
countenance would be almost as valuable as another lover. If Lord
George would keep her secret, and Lady Glencora would be her friend,
might she not still be a successful woman? So Lady Glencora Palliser
was shown up to Lizzie's chamber. Lizzie was found with her nicest
nightcap and prettiest handkerchief, with a volume of Tennyson's
poetry, and a scent-bottle. She knew that it behoved her to be
very clever at this interview. Her instinct told her that her
first greeting should show more of surprise than of gratification.
Accordingly, in a pretty, feminine, almost childish way, she was very
much surprised. "I'm doing the strangest thing in the world, I know,
Lady Eustace," said Lady Glencora with a smile.

"I'm sure you mean to do a kind thing."

"Well;--yes, I do. I think we have not met since you were at my house
near the end of last season."

"No, indeed. I have been in London six weeks, but have not been out
much. For the last fortnight I have been in bed. I have had things to
trouble me so much that they have made me ill."

"So I have heard, Lady Eustace, and I have just come to offer you my
sympathy. When I was told that you did see people, I thought that
perhaps you would admit me."

"So willingly, Lady Glencora!"

"I have heard, of course, of your terrible losses."

"The loss has been as nothing to the vexation that has accompanied
it. I don't know how to speak of it. Ladies have lost their jewels
before now, but I don't know that any lady before me has ever been
accused of stealing them herself."

"There has been no accusation, surely?"

"I haven't exactly been put in prison, Lady Glencora, but I have
had policemen here wanting to search my things;--and then you know
yourself what reports have been spread."

"Oh, yes; I do. Only for that, to tell you plainly, I should
hardly have been here now." Then Lady Glencora poured out her
sympathy,--perhaps with more eloquence and grace than discretion. She
was, at any rate, both graceful and eloquent. "As for the loss of the
diamonds, I think you bear it wonderfully," said Lady Glencora.

"If you could imagine how little I care about it!" said Lizzie with
enthusiasm. "They had lost the delight which I used to feel in them
as a present from my husband. People had