A diadem of brilliants was sent to be reset, a sensational gown composed, after repeated conferences with a great ladies' tailor, a pattern in seed pearls chosen for the embroidery of the long gloves.

Don Pablo galloped about like a post-horse from morning till night; gorgeous vans, with liveried attendants, from the fashionable shops stopped constantly at the door to deliver parcels; there was an unceasing stream of messengers, shop people, and needlewomen.

But Wilhelm was oblivious of it all; Pilar did not trouble him with such frivolous matters.

It was not till the very day of the ball that she handed him the card of invitation she had procured for him at the embassy, and asked, as a precaution: "You have all you require, have you not ?" Wilhelm glanced at the pink, glazed card.
"But, Pilar, do you know me so little ?" "I know that you do not care for these stupid entertainments," she answered coaxingly, "but I thought you would go to please me." "So you are going ?" he asked.
"I must," she replied.

"They know that I am in Paris, and I wish to avoid the remark that would be made if I stayed away." "You are quite right," said Wilhelm, "but you will have to go without me." "Don't be a bear!" she urged.