1 92 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.
when she spoke a musical voice that had nothing in it but forgiveness and love, and no other suggestion than a desire to be amiable and happy. He felt the contrast between this and his intercourse with the Lady Stravensky, as a rest- ful, calm delight.
Dolly submitted to be kissed, and accepted Philip's apo- logies with a pretty smile, saying, " Oh, it did not matter." Of course she had thought when people were engaged that but she would say nothing, Jennie had said quite enough she was sure, and it was all her fault for taking it to heart. " And I did somehow take it to heart," she went on, " but I am spoiled, Jennie spoils me, Walter spoils me, and I expected you would; perhaps'it is as well besides it is a mistake not to allow each other a little freedom, is it not?"
" So long as you allow me the freedom to love you with all my heart," said Philip, kissing her again, " that is enough for me," and in saying so he said exactly what he thought at the moment, his ecstasy being enhanced by a responsive embrace that blotted out every thought of the Countess Stravensky, her violet eyes, red-gold hair and all ; for in the matter of beauty, for pleasant companionship, to live with, to go to receptions with, to have at a young man's side, to make other young men envious of, Dolly Norcott could, to quote Sam Selwyn, give any other girl in all the wide world as many points as the severest handicapper could desire and beat her by miles !
Poor Selwyn, he had made it a point to be at Lady For- syth's At Home ; he had long been on her ladyship's visiting list ; and an off day on the Stock Exchange and other considerations drove him to Gower-street. Moreover he hoped to meet Mrs. Miibanke and her sister. He had heard of the engagement between Philip and Dolly almost as soon as he was awake the next morning, but he had no intention of resenting it. He had not proposed to Dolly,
