But these accommodating views did not recommend themselves to a girl of refinement. She thought the profession her friend had adopted was at best a very precarious one, and the type of male artist she came across rather repelled than attracted her. It was different, of course, with Alma Buckley. She came from humble stock and was naturally at home amongst her own class, she discovered nothing to find fault with in the manners or appearance of the men who frequented her flat, sang comic songs, made broad jokes, and often indulged in more stimulant than was good for them. And then suddenly Prince Charming made his appearance, and Miss Buckley was constrained to admit that he appeared to be “quite the gentleman,” and was distinctly on a higher social plane than the persons at whom Lettice turned up her fastidious nose. The meeting happened this way. Miss Buckley had been working very hard for some time, doing two halls a night at a considerable distance from each other, and incidentally making a considerable sum of money. When the engagements came to an end she felt fagged and run down, and on consulting a doctor, he prescribed a month’s holiday. The idea pleased her and she could well afford it. Very soon she made her plans, and with her usual generosity, included her friend in them. “We’ll go to dear old Paris,” she announced, “and we’ll stop there not a minute less than four weeks; if we’re enjoying ourselves very much, I don’t say we won’t put in an extra week. Better than going to the seaside; what we want is a complete change. ‘Gay Paree’ will give it us.” On board the boat Alma got into conversation with a very elegant young man whose name she afterwards discovered to be the high-sounding one of Darcy. He was quite good-looking, possessed a pleasant well-bred voice, and was attired in costume appropriate to travel of a most fashionable cut. Miss Buckley did most of the talking, but she could see that this aristocratic young man was greatly attracted by Lettice, and that Lettice appeared equally attracted by him. “I really think this is Prince Charming,” she took an opportunity of whispering to her friend. “And, my dear, there’s a look of _money_ about him. Did you notice that lovely emerald pin? It’s worth no end.” The elegant young man devoted himself to the two girls during the short crossing to Boulogne, his glances ever resting admiringly upon Miss Larchester. He found seats for them in the train to Paris, and travelled with them in the same carriage. He talked pleasantly about his travels; there did not seem to be a city in Europe that he had not visited. When they were nearing their journey’s end, he inquired where they were going to put up. Miss Buckley, who had promised herself a good time, no matter what it cost, replied that they had selected the Hôtel Terminus; it was convenient for everything.