The Countess of Cantyre, on her way to the scene of action, looked in on Miss Violet Forster. That young lady, apparently already fully equipped, seated in an arm-chair, was studying what seemed to be a small memorandum book. She looked up as the Countess entered. Her ladyship came well into the centre of the room, drew herself to her full height, which was less than she would have liked it to be, and slowly revolved in a complete circle, by way of exhibiting her plumes for the lady's inspection. When she had made an end, she prompted the criticism which did not come. "Well?" "Excellent." "You think I shall do?" "Margaret, you're a dream of delight." "You really think so? You like the dress? I was afraid there was a little too much on the bodice." "There is nothing anywhere which could be altered in the slightest degree for the better; the gown and the wearer are perfectly matched: they are both lovely." Her ladyship dropped a curtsy. "Thank you, that's just what I wanted you to say. Now you stand up, and I'll give you my candid opinion." "Very much obliged, but I'm not sure that I want it; I'm not the Countess of Cantyre. Who cares what I look like?" "You little humbug! It's only your conceit; it's simply that you take it for granted that you always look your best, which couldn't be improved." Her ladyship was arranging the drapery of her skirt as she glanced in the mirror. "What have you got out of Noel Draycott?" "Nothing, as yet. I haven't tried; but I shall. I mean to drop a bomb at his feet at the moment he least expects it." "If it's to be to-night, don't let it go off with too loud a bang. I don't know if I told you that the whole regiment has decided to come. They telegraphed this afternoon that they would all be able to get off, as I understand, to a man. You'll have a chance of dropping a bombshell at the feet of every one of them." "I should like to. Every time I look at Mr. Noel Draycott I feel--I can't tell you what I feel." "Any news of the absentee?" "None; but I'm beginning to dream of him again." "You'd better be careful what you have for dinner; eat nothing for at least three hours before you go to bed." "Last night I dreamt that he was starving; and to save himself from starving he was doing something so awful that it woke me up, and I lay wide awake, trembling with terror." "You poor child! You may congratulate yourself that it was a dream. Are you coming? I must be off." "I'll follow in a minute or two; don't you wait for me." Left alone, the girl tried to resume her study of the small volume she was holding; but the effort seemed in vain. Her eyes refused to be fixed upon the page; they stared into vacancy at something which was not there. She rose; placing the little book in a leather case which stood upon the dressing-table, she pressed down the lid, which shut with a spring. "It's very odd, but I seem to feel that something is going to happen to-night; I wonder what it is?"