That evening he went to a ball given by the Duchess of Queensberry. And there he met Cleone, for the first time since his return to England. The Duchess welcomed him effusively, for already Philip was a _persona grata_ in Society, and much sought after by hostesses. Tom had lost no time in introducing him to the Fashionable World. The ladies were captivated by his French air, and ogled him shamelessly. Then men found that he was, for all his graces, singularly modest and unaffected at heart, and they extended the hand of friendship towards him. People began to look for him, and to be disappointed if he were absent. Until now, however, Philip had seen nothing of Cleone, but on all sides he had heard of her. She was, he learned, London's newest beauty. * * * * * She was dancing when Philip saw her first, smiling up at her partner with blue eyes that seemed bluer than ever, and lips that lay in a happy curve. Her golden hair was unpowdered and piled in curls upon the top of her head. Philip thought she was more beautiful than ever. He stood apart, watching her. She had not seen him; she was not even thinking of him; those eyes were clear and joyous. Who was her partner? Brainless-looking fool! Simpering ninny! Ay, that was all she cared for! Philip's hand clenched slowly on his snuff-box. "Aha, Jettan! You have espied the lovely Cleone?" Philip turned. Lord Charles Fairfax stood at his elbow. "Yes," he said. "But how stern and forbidding!" exclaimed Fairfax. "What ails you?" Philip's mouth lost its hard line. "I am struck dumb," he answered gaily. "Can you wonder at it?" "So are we all. She is very beautiful, is she not?" "Ravishing!" agreed Philip. He saw Cleone's partner lead her to a chair. "Will you present me?" "What! And destroy my own chances? We have heard of your killing ways with the fair sex!" "I protest I have been maligned!" cried Philip. "I do implore your mercy! Present me!" "Against my will, then!" said his lordship roguishly. He walked forward to where Cleone sat. "Mistress Cleone, have you no smile for the humblest of your admirers?" Cleone turned her head. "Oh, Lord Charles! Give you good even, sir! Do you know you have not been near me the whole evening? I am monstrous hurt, I assure you!" "Dear lady, how was I to come near you?" protested Fairfax. "Until this moment you have been surrounded." Cleone gave a happy little laugh. "I am sure 'tis untrue, sir! You delight in teasing me!" Her eyes wandered past him to Philip. Fairfax drew him forward. "Mistress Cleone, may I present one who is newly come from Paris, and is, he swears, struck dumb by your beauty? Mr. Jettan, of whom we all know some naughty tales!"