“With pleasure,” replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.

“He grows tedious,” he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of earshot.

“Oh, Bob! I take no account of him ! But, Tracy, how is it you have come today? I thought⁠—”

“My dear Lavinia, do I wear an air of mystery? I imagined you knew I was promised to Dolly Cavendish tonight?”

“Yes, but⁠—oh, what matters it? I am so charmed to see you again, dear!”

“You flatter me, Lavinia.”

“And now that you have come, I want to hear why you ever went! Tracy, take me into the room behind us. I know ’tis empty.”