Are you still living in Park Lane ?" "Oh, yes;--and shall be most happy to see you." Then she seated herself,--as did also Lady Chiltern by her side.

"I see the poor Duke's iniquities are still under discussion.

I hope Lord Chiltern recognises the great happiness of having a grievance.

It would be a pity that so great a blessing should be thrown away upon him." For the moment Madame Max had got through her difficulty, and, indeed, had done so altogether till the moment should come in which she should find herself alone with Phineas.

But he slunk back from the gathering before the fire, and stood solitary and silent till dinner was announced.