The _Times_ leader on the announcement pointed out that the mission would be concerned with important frontier questions, still more with the revival of the prestige of England in regions where a supine government had allowed it to wither unaccountably. Other powers had been playing a filching and encroaching game at the expense of the British lion in these parts, and it was more than time that he should open his sleepy eyes upon what was going on. As to the young officer who was to command the mission, the great journal made a few civil though guarded remarks. His record in the recent campaign was indeed highly distinguished; still it could hardly be said that, take it as a whole, his history so far gave him a claim to promotion so important as that which he had now obtained. Well, now he had his chance. English soldiers had a way of profiting by such chances. The _Times_ courteously gave him the benefit of the doubt, prophesying that he would rise to the occasion and justify the choice of his superiors. The Duchess looked over Julie's shoulder as she read. "Schemer," she said, as she dropped a kiss on the back of Julie's neck, "I hope you're satisfied. The _Times_ doesn't know what to make of it." Julie put down the paper with a glowing cheek. "They'll soon know," she said, quietly. "Julie, do you believe in him so much?" "What does it matter what I think? It is not I who have appointed him." "Not so sure," laughed the Duchess. "As if he would have had a chance without you. Whom did he know last November when you took him up?" Julie moved to and fro, her hands behind her. The tremor on her lip, the light in her eye showed her sense of triumph. "What have I done," she said, laughing, "but push a few stones out of the way of merit?" "Some of them were heavy," said the Duchess, making a little face. "Need I invite Lady Froswick any more?" Julie threw her arms about her. "Evelyn, what a darling you've been! Now I'll never worry you again." "Oh, for some people I would do ten times as much!" cried the Duchess. "But, Julie, I wish I knew why you think so well of this man. I--I don't always hear very nice things about him." "I dare say not," said Julie, flushing. "It is easy to hate success." "No, come, we're not as mean as that!" cried the Duchess. "I vow that all the heroes I've ever known had a ripping time. Julie"--she kissed her friend impulsively--"Julie, don't like him too much. I don't think he's good enough." "Good enough for what?" said Julie's bitter voice. "Make yourself easy about Captain Warkworth, Evelyn; but please understand--_anything_ is good enough for me. Don't let your dear head be troubled about my affairs. They are never serious, and nothing counts--except," she added, recklessly, "that I get a little amusement by the way." "Julie," cried the Duchess, "as if Jacob--" Julie frowned and released herself; then she laughed.