The lady gathered her train over her arm. “I accept the apology of ‘King Charles,’” she said, her vexation already subdued. “It is not worth while quarrelling about.” The clock struck twelve as she spoke, and as the last chime died away, the order was given to unmask. The two men fronted each other, and simultaneously uncovered their faces. Montella almost involuntarily gave a start, for the countenance of his opponent was curiously and unpleasantly familiar. He had seen it pictured in all the illustrated journals in the kingdom, cartooned in _Punch_, caricatured elsewhere; he had seen it scowling at the Opposition in the House, and at the anxious journalists in the Lobby. It was most unfortunate that this regrettable circumstance should be connected with his first personal introduction to the man. There was a moment’s silence, during which the young politician’s eyes fell like an abashed schoolboy. The “Cromwell” was the first to speak. “Your name?” he demanded curtly. “Selim Montella.” “Montella? member for Thorpe Burstall?” “Yes.” “Ah! Mine is—as you may know—Athelstan Moore.” He offered his arm to his partner, and without another word, turned shortly away. Zillah Lorm looked after them with increasing interest. “The new Premier!” she exclaimed, as soon as they were out of earshot. “Athelstan Moore, the Jew-hater! Was it wise to offend him, Mr. Lionel?” “Wise? It was the most foolish thing I ever did in my life,” he rejoined, with a short laugh. It was amusing—to the singer—to witness his discomfiture. CHAPTER V THE STORY OF FERDINAND Acting on his mother’s advice, Lionel Montella wrote a letter of apology to the Premier, and received a short note of acknowledgment in return. It was some time before he could overcome his vexation at the unfortunate encounter, even though he was assured by his confrères that the destiny of a nation is not affected by petty personal spite. He knew that it was good policy on his part to conciliate the chief Minister of State, instead of which he had done the direct opposite by personally offending him.