CHAPTER XXVI.
Mrs.Benedek was the first to notice the transformation which had certainly taken place in Norgate's appearance.

She came and sat by his side upon the cushioned fender.
"What a metamorphosis!" she exclaimed.

"Why, you look as though Providence had been showering countless benefits upon you." There were several people lounging around, and Mrs.Benedek's remark certainly had point.
"You look like Monty, when he's had a winning week," one of them observed.
"It is something more than gross lucre," a young man declared, who had just strolled up.

"I believe that it is a good fat appointment.

Rome, perhaps, where every one of you fellows wants to get to, nowadays." "Or perhaps," the Prince intervened, with a little bow, "Mrs.Benedek has promised to dine with you?
She is generally responsible for the gloom or happiness of us poor males in this room." Norgate smiled.
"None of these wonderful things have happened--and yet, something perhaps more wonderful," he announced.