She merely nodded to Tracy, but to Dick she extended her hand. He took it in his, kissing it, and she noticed how cold were his fingers, how burning hot his lips. Then he released her, and she went slowly up the stairs to her room.

His Grace watched her through his eyeglass. When she was out of sight he turned and surveyed Richard critically.

“If that is the way you kiss a woman, Lavinia has my sympathies,” he remarked.

Richard’s lips tightened. He picked up a stand of lighted candles and ushered his Grace into the drawing-room.

“I presume you did not come to tell me that?” he asked.

“Your presumption is correct, Richard. I have come to open your eyes.”

“You are too kind.”