Then Miss Crokerly went away. She saw that Rosalie was overwrought and tired, and recommended her to think about nothing till morning, and go to sleep. When the door was closed, Rosalie flung herself down in a chair before the fire, and the frog hopped on to the mantelpiece. “Why did you tell me to speak?” she cried. “I did no good. Only incurred cold glances and hisses and hatred.” “Flea bites,” said the frog. “Bred out of serpent’s poison, anyway. If I’d followed Mr. Barringcourt’s advice I’d have said nothing.” “He always goes by the rule of contrary.” “It’s a rule I never learnt.” “It’s answerable for a great deal that happens in this world. Why do you take things so much to heart?” “Oh, I don’t know. I’m a lonely, lonely woman.” “I’m a lonely, lonely frog.” She laughed. “You make light of my misfortunes.” “I think you are much more fortunate than you think. I bear a charmed life, and yours is the next best thing. We’ll struggle on together, anyhow. Remember, we’re in search of six white horses and a capable driver. That’s all we’ve got to mind.” “Of course,” said Rosalie. “Life’s more like a dream than reality.” Here the frog yawned, and Rosalie, much soothed, was soon asleep. CHAPTER XXVIII REVENGE IS SWEET Next day this particular city of Lucifram was buzzing. The great election was coming off. Yet there was no doubt who was winning. Golden Priest Alphonso had regained his old popularity. When the poll was read at night he headed the list. The people received it with shouts of acclamation. In other circles the news was as well received. He was barely forty. A precedent was established. He was the youngest Great High Priest in the record of time. But our history is not so much with public events as private persons, and we return once more to Susiebelle and her friend Miss Groggerton. Neither of them had been at the great dinner, but the one had heard from her father, and the other read from the paper, the trend of general events. “And,” said Susiebelle, with pious horror, “to admit right out she’d been into the most sacred place—a place no woman has ever been in before. Such impudent boldness is enough to make one’s hair stand on end. She’s a disgrace to our sex. If I met her in the street with the Emperor himself I’d turn my head away.” As this was never likely to be, Susiebelle was very safe. “Yes; but what I can’t understand is Mr. Barringcourt’s conduct,” said Miss Groggerton. “I hear that he defended her, or the next best thing. Made everyone laugh and then serious at the same time.” Miss Groggerton was green when she said it, but Susiebelle became greener.