So it was that, with Carnac elected and Barode Barouche buried, she sat with one of Disraeli's novels in her hand busy with the future.

She saw for Carnac a safe career, for his two chief foes were gone--Luzanne Larue and Barode Barouche.

Now she understood why Carnac had never asked her to be his wife.

She had had no word with Carnac since his election--only a letter to thank her for the marriage certificate and to say that after M.Barouche was buried he would come to her, if he might.

He did say, however, in the letter that he owed her his election.
"You've done a great, big thing for me, dearest friend, and I am your ever grateful Carnac"-- that was the way he had put it.