It struck his Grace that Carstares was looking quite happy.

“You seem cheerful, Richard!”

“I am,” smiled his brother-in-law.

“I am much relieved to hear it. I have seen Shepherd.”

“Shepherd?” interrogated Carstares.

“Lovelace’s colonel, my dear Richard. You may count on Captain Harold’s departure⁠—on an important mission⁠—in, say, forty-eight hours.”

“You may count on Captain Harold’s departure in very much less, Tracy,” said Carstares, a twinkle in his eye.

The Duke started forward.

“She has gone?” he almost hissed.

“Gone? No! She is in the drawing-room with him.”