Page 104 (1/1)

Even in the great dining-roolory was stretched that evening to its extreht Honourable Gerald Watson, a recently appointed Cabinet Minister, there were several guests frohbourhood--the Lord Lieutenant of the County and other notabilities Caroline, with the Lord Lieutenant on one side of her and Terniloff on the other played the part of hostess adequately but without enthusias the other end of the table, where Stephanie, at Dominey's left hand, with her crown of exquisitely coiffured red-gold hair, her race of manner, seemed more like one of the beauties of an ancient Venetian Court than a owned in the Rue de la Paix Conversation remained chiefly local and concerned the day's sport and kindred topics It was not until towards the close of thehis favourite bubble

"I trust, Everard," he said, raising his voice a little as he turned towards his host, "that youthe principles of National Service into your tenantry here"

Dominey's reply was a little dubious

"I am afraid they do not take to the idea very kindly in this part of the world," he confessed "Purely agricultural districts are always a little difficult"

"It is your duty as a landowner," the Duke insisted, "to alter their point of view There is not the slightest doubt," he added, looking belligerently over the top of his pince nez at Seaman, as seated at the opposite side of the table, "that before long we shall find ourselves--and in a shocking state of unpreparedness, mind you--at ith Germany"

Lady Maddeley, the wife of the Lord Lieutenant, who sat at his side, seemed a little startled She was probably one of the only people present as not aware of the Duke's foible

"Do you really think so?" she asked "The Germans seem such civilised people, so peaceful and do"

The Duke groaned He glanced down the table to be sure that Prince Terniloff was out of hearing

"My dear Lady Maddeley," he declared, "Gerland When the war coreat many of theht all the same"