wearing Court
dress, with immaculate black silk stockings, and diamond buckles upon
his shoes. A red ribbon was in his button-hole and a French order hung
from his neck. His passion for clothes was certainly amply ministered to
by the exigencies of his new position. Once more he read those last few
words of this unexpectedly received dispatch--read them with a frown
upon his forehead and the light of trouble in his eyes. For three months
he had done nothing but live the life of an ordinary man of fashion and
wealth. His first task--for which, to tell the truth, he had been
anxiously waiting--was here before him, and he found it little to his
liking. Again he read slowly to himself the last paragraph of Sogrange's
letter:--

"_As ever, dear friend, one of the greatest sayings which the men
of my race have ever perpetrated, once more justifies itself,
'Cherchez la femme!' Of monsieur we have no manner of doubt; we
have tested him in every way. And, to all appearance, madame should
also be above suspicion. Yet those things of which I have spoken
have happened. For two hours this morning I was closeted with Picon
here. Very reluctantly he has placed the matter in my hands. I pass
it on to you. It is your first undertaking, cher Baron, and I wish
you bon fortune. A man of gallantry, as I know you are, you may
regret that it should be a woman--and a beautiful woman,
too--against whom the finger must be pointed. Yet, after all, the
fates are strong and the task is yours._--SOGRANGE."

The music from the reception-rooms grew louder and more insistent. Peter
rose to his feet, and, moving to the fireplace, struck a match and
carefully destroyed the letter which he had been reading. Then he
straightened himself, glanced for a moment at the mirror, and left the
room to join his guests.

* * * * *

"Monsieur le Baron jests," the lady murmured. Peter shook his head.

"Indeed, no, madame!" he answered earnestly. "France has offered us
nothing more delightful in the whole history of our _entente_ than the
loan of yourself and your brilliant husband. Monsieur de Lamborne makes
history amongst us politically, whilst madame----"

Peter sighed, and his companion leaned a little towards him. Her dark
eyes were full of sentimental regard.

"Yes?" she whispered. "Continue. It is my wish."

"I am the good friend of Monsieur de Lamborne," Peter s