"Thank God you've come, Guest! They nearly had the house down after the last act shouting for you. Oh! I beg your pardon." He retreated, closing the door. They neither of them noticed him. Up from the stage the triumphant cry of a great actor, carried away by the inspiration of a great part, answered her in her lover's own words-- "Philosophy is selfishness and ambition a shadow--the lesson of life is the lesson of love." The curtain fell and the storm burst. She looked into his face with a brilliant smile. "I am very sweetly answered, Mr. Author," she said. "Now let me efface myself." Douglas could not escape, for he had been recognised, and the house rang with his name. He bowed his acknowledgments time after time from the front of the box, and every one wondered at his late arrival and morning clothes, and at the woman in a long travelling coat, who sat by his side half hidden by the curtain. Only the Duchess, whose box was exactly opposite, and who had remarkably good eyesight, suddenly understood. She leaned over and waved her hand gaily. "Gracious!" she exclaimed. "It's Emily."