"I thought it best to come and see you about it at once, as I have suddenly determined to go to Brighton, and I don't know when I may be back. I had not heard of your Club till the other day, when I saw in the _Moon_ that Clorinda Bell was going to join it, and anything she joins must of course be strictly proper, so I haven't troubled to ask the Honorable Miss Primpole's advice--she lives with me, you know. An only orphan cannot be too careful!" "You need not fear," said Lillie. "Miss Bell is not to be a member. We have refused her." "Oh, indeed! Well, perhaps it is as well not to bring the scent of the footlights over the Club. It is hard upon Miss Bell, but if you were to admit her, I suppose other actresses would want to come in. There are so many of them that prefer to remain single." "Are you sure _you_ do?" "Positive. My experience of lovers has been so harassing and peculiar that I shall never marry, and as my best friends cannot call me a wall-flower, I venture to think you will find me a valuable ally in your noble campaign against the degrading superstition that Old Maids are women who have not found husbands, just as widows are women who have lost them." "I sincerely hope so," said Lillie enthusiastically. "You express my views very neatly. May I ask what are the peculiar experiences you speak of?" "Certainly. Some months ago I amused myself by recording the strange episodes of my first loves, and in anticipation of your request I have brought the manuscript." "Oh, please read it!" said Lillie excitedly. "Of course I have not given the real names." "No, I quite understand. Won't you have a chocolate cream before you commence?" "Thank you. They look lovely. How awfully sweet!" "Too sweet for you?" inquired Lillie anxiously. "No, no. I mean they are just nice." The Princess untied the pretty pink ribbon that enfolded the dainty, scented manuscript, and pausing only to munch an occasional chocolate cream, she read on till the shades of evening fell over the Old Maids' Club and the soft glow of the candles illuminated its dainty complexion. CHAPTER V. "THE PRINCESS OF PORTMAN SQUARE."