A dozen topics were touched upon during the course of the meal--the latest sporting gossip, the latest social scandal, the latest Parisian play, all were discussed, and all laughed over the triviality of the world that has few prejudices, few responsibilities, fewer ideals. From time to time, during the easy flow of this light talk, she found herself stealing surreptitious glances down the long table to where Gore was seated between Lady Diana Tuffnell and her sister; but not once did she surprise a glance from him. It seemed that he had very successfully banished her from his mind. After dinner the whole party left the dining-room together, as was the custom at Tuffnell, some to play billiards, some to stroll in the gardens, others to find their way to the music-room, where Lady Diana usually gathered a little audience to listen to her singing. On this evening Clodagh was amongst the first to pass out of the dining-room; and moving into the centre of the hall, she paused and looked expectantly over her shoulder. As she had anticipated, Deerehurst appeared almost at once, and came directly to her side. "What is your pleasure?" he said. "Bridge?" She looked up swiftly. "Yes, bridge," she said quickly. "I feel I must have excitement to-night." He looked at her immovably. "As you wish," he said calmly. "I shall ask Rose Bathurst and Mansfeldt to play." He turned away, and at the same moment Lady Diana came forward from a little group that included her husband and Gore. Coming close to Clodagh, she laid her hand kindly on her arm. "Well, Mrs. Milbanke," she said pleasantly, "how shall we amuse you this evening?" Clodagh turned swiftly. Her nerves felt so tense and strained that even her hostess's quiet voice set them tingling. "Oh, I have chosen my amusement," she said. "I want a game of bridge, and Lord Deerehurst has gone to make up a four." Lady Diana's expression changed, betraying a leaven of disappointment. "Bridge?" she repeated. "Do you think you are quite wise? Remember your headache!" Clodagh gave a short, excited laugh. "Ah, you are not a bridge-player, Lady Diana! If you were, you would know that bridge is a cure for all the ills of humanity. Here comes Lord Deerehurst with two accomplices! Fancy, it is the first time I have met the rich Mr. Mansfeldt!" Lady Diana was silent. She looked once more at Clodagh--a rapid, penetrating look that might have belonged to her sister. Then she compelled herself to smile. "I hope your game will be a good one," she said graciously; and moving quietly away, she rejoined her husband. Almost at the same moment Deerehurst approached, followed at some little distance by Mrs. Bathurst and Mansfeldt--a South African millionaire, who had recently found his way into society.