"What a metamorphosis!" she exclaimed. "Why, you look as though
Providence had been showering countless benefits upon you."
There were several people lounging around, and Mrs. Benedek's remark certainly had point.
"You look like Monty, when he's had a winning week," one of them observed.
"It is something more than gross lucre," a young man declared, who had just strolled up. "I believe that it is a good fat appointment. Rome, perhaps, where every one of you fellows wants to get to, nowadays."
"Or perhaps," the Prince intervened, with a little bow, "Mrs. Benedek has promised to dine with you? She is generally responsible for the gloom or happiness of us poor males in this room."
Norgate smiled.
"None of these wonderful things have happened—and yet, something perhaps more wonderful," he announced. "I am engaged to be married."
There was a mingled chorus of exclamations and congratulations. Selingman, who had been standing on the outskirts of the group, drew a little nearer. His face wore a somewhat puzzled expression.
"And the lady?" he enquired. "May we not know the lady's name? That is surely important?"
"It is the Baroness von Haase," Norgate replied. "You probably know her by name and repute, at least, Mr. Selingman. She is an Austrian, but she is often at Berlin."