“Still, I should like your address. I think if you were put under suitable care you would promise better things than a beggar girl. It is a disgrace you should be one.” Here he glanced at the fine old clock between two windows, and continued more hurriedly: “Give me your address, and I will see what can be done for you.” Marigold went a trifle pale. Like most people who don’t scheme deeply, and like some who do, her plans seemed just now rather shaky, but she answered at random, and recklessly: “3 Mouse Court, Midget Lane.” The High Priest was about to copy it, when his companion interrupted him by a laugh. “There is no such lane or court in the city,” said he. “The little girl has made a mistake.” And here Alphonso looked at her, and his face took on the hard look that was habitual to it, and with much excuse. “You understand, of course, to whom you are speaking?” Tears were in her eyes. “Yes, indeed. I live No. 5 Friar’s Court, just outside the Temple Close.” “Thank you!” Then he rang a bell, and she was dismissed. CHAPTER VI “Alice! Alice! where are you? Come quickly.” And Alice appeared at the head of the narrow stairway and came accordingly. “Alice! I am quite returned to my old way of feeling. I love him adoringly--all the better for that horrid feeling of coldness I had last night.” “Is it the High Priest you have seen?” Alice asked, with as much superstitious horror in her voice as is consistent with materialism. “Of course. Did I not say I should see him? And oh! what I went through first! Rags and dirt and vulgarity and bad language--actual bad language though they spoke it low down. And soapy potatoes--at our table anyway. And--and--oh! Alice, what _do_ you think?” “I think nothing but ill-luck to us, Princess!” “Don’t be dull! Think! Whom do you think I saw there with _him_--with my star of Eden?” “Indeed, no one short of the devil under the circumstances--and I speak with piety.” “Never heard of the devil. He isn’t fashionable with educated classes--not on Lucifram. Now guess again!” “His Chaplain?” “No. _The man we saw this morning under the archway!_” It is no exaggeration to say that Alice both started and turned pale. She put her hand up warningly. “Remember what you said--about being knocked off the chess-board, Princess!” “Oh! I’ve forgotten about that. He was quite fascinating. Not any more ill-mannered than he could possibly help being!” “Did you speak to the High Priest?” “Yes, I went into his own private rooms--just imagine it! The sensation was delicious. I don’t suppose many women have often gone there, do you?” “None except in a religious cause, I should think.” “Well, my cause wasn’t religious. He sent one of the attendants to take me to him. And he put his hand on my shoulder ever so nicely. No, don’t open your eyes. It was quite in accordance even with Board-School etiquette; there were four there besides himself and me.” “Did you curtsey to him?”