In the hour of her despair she uttered many passionate words of love, and many, many times their lips met in fervent kisses. Nevertheless, both felt that a gulf yawned between them--a wide gulf caused by her own folly and recklessness. At length she succeeded in stifling her emotion, drying her eyes, and concealing the traces of her tears by means of the eau de Cologne he handed her and a few dexterous dabs with her tiny powder-puff. Now that she was calmer, he kissed her upon the forehead, drew her cloak over the still tumultuous breast, and then led her below, where her brougham was awaiting them. During the drive to Penarth House, that old-fashioned but well-known mansion at the western end of Piccadilly, they sat together in silence. Their hands were clasped. Both hearts were too full for words. They, who had loved one another for so many years, were now together for the last time. A deep and bitter sigh escaped Chisholm. He was going to this ball, always one of the most brilliant entertainments in London--for the duchess was a political hostess and frequently entertained "for the Party"--to drink the cup of pleasure to the dregs, because on the morrow his place in English officialdom would be empty. CHAPTER TWELVE. IS DISTINCTLY ENIGMATICAL. Distinction among women is rapidly becoming a lost art. Woman nowadays is nothing if not modern in her views. After her presentation, her natural enthusiasm and charming high spirits usually cause her to take a too tolerant and rosy view of life, with the result that she degenerates into being merely smart. She becomes absorbed in Man and Millinery. Dress is her keynote. A lady's luggage has during the past ten years assumed alarming proportions, and a fashionable woman rushes eagerly to a house-party for the express purpose of airing the latest triumphs of Paquin or Lentheric. She is expected to make as many alterations in her costume as a quick-change artiste at the music-halls. In old times a tailor-made gown was worn for breakfast; but now a smart gown is put on for the morning meal, afterwards to be changed for a walking-costume or a suit for motor-driving. Luncheon demands another dainty gown, and tea brings out that luxurious and poetical garment, the tea-gown. At quite a small party this is sometimes retained for dinner, but for a big affair a magnificent dress is donned; and the same gown, whether designed for the morning or the evening, must never be worn twice.