"Well, Saunders?" said Deppingham, as the lawyer stopped to clear his throat obsequiously. "I have found sufficient food of all descriptions, sir, to last for a month, at least," said Saunders, in a strained, unnatural voice. "Good! Has Miss Pelham jilted you, Saunders?" He put the question in a jocular way. Its effect on Saunders was startling. His face turned almost purple with confusion. "No, sir, she has not, sir," he stammered. "Beg pardon, Saunders. I didn't mean to offend. Where is she, pray, with the invoice?" "I'm--I'm sure I don't know, sir," responded Saunders, striving to regain his dignity. "Have a cigarette, Deppy?" interposed Browne, seeing that something was amiss with Saunders. In solemn order the silver box went the rounds. Drusilla alone refused to take one. Her husband looked surprised. "Want one, Drusie?" "No, thank you, Bobby," she said succinctly. "I've stopped. I don't think it's womanly." Lady Deppingham's hand was arrested with the match half way to her lips. She looked hard at Drusilla for a moment and then touched the light serenely to her cigarette. "Pooh!" was all that she said. Genevra did not light hers at all. Saunders spoke up, as if suddenly recollecting something. "I have also to report, sir, that the stock of cigarettes is getting very low. They can't last three days at this rate, sir." The three men stared at him. "Good Lord!" exclaimed Chase, who could face any peril and relish the experience if needs be, but who now foresaw a sickening deprivation. "You can't mean it, Saunders?" "I certainly do, sir. The mint is holding out well, though, sir. I think it will last." "By George, this is a calamity," groaned Chase. "How is a man to fight without cigarettes?" Genevra quietly proffered the one she had not lighted, a quizzical smile in her eyes. "My contribution to the cause," she said gaily. "What strange creatures men are! You will go out and be shot at all day and yet--" she paused and looked at the cigarette as if it were entitled to reverence. "It does seem a bit silly, doesn't it?" lamented the stalwart Chase. Then he took the cigarette. CHAPTER XXII THE CHARITY BALL They were not long in finding out what had happened to Saunders. After luncheon, while Browne and the three ladies were completing the preparations for the entertainment. Miss Pelham appeared before Deppingham and Chase in the former's headquarters. She had asked for an interview and was accompanied by Mr. Britt. "Lord Deppingham," she began, seating herself coolly before the two men, her eyes dark with decision, "I approach you as the recognised head of this establishment. I shan't detain you long. My attorney, Mr. Britt, will explain matters to you after I have retired. He--" "Your attorney? What does this mean?" gasped Deppingham, visions of blackmail in mind. "What's up, Britt? I deny every demmed word of it, whatever it is!" "Just a little private affair," murmured Britt, uncomfortably.