gets lost among the genders and the pronouns. The clear thing is
that Mrs. Wimbush doesn't guard such a treasure so jealously as she
might.'

"'Poor dear, she has the Princess to guard! Mr. Paraday lent her
the manuscript to look over.'

"'She spoke, you mean, as if it were the morning paper?'

"Lady Augusta stared--my irony was lost on her. 'She didn't have
time, so she gave me a chance first; because unfortunately I go to-
morrow to Bigwood.'

"'And your chance has only proved a chance to lose it?'

"'I haven't lost it. I remember now--it was very stupid of me to
have forgotten. I told my maid to give it to Lord Dorimont--or at
least to his man.'

"'And Lord Dorimont went away directly after luncheon.'

"'Of course he gave it back to my maid--or else his man did,' said
Lady Augusta. 'I dare say it's all right.'

"The conscience of these people is like a summer sea. They haven't
time to look over a priceless composition; they've only time to
kick it about the house. I suggested that the 'man,' fired with a
noble emulation, had perhaps kept the work for his own perusal; and
her ladyship wanted to know whether, if the thing shouldn't
reappear for the grand occasion appointed by our hostess, the