Page:Marsh--The seen and the unseen.djvu/329

Rh "There is no doubt that he is a character, as a Duke of Staines can well afford to be. Edith, when I heard that the Earl of Datchet was going to travel by that train I made up my mind that we would travel with him. I have more belief in the power of such beauty as yours than even you have. You have money, good birth; one never knows what may happen. Instead of an earl, chance has thrown a duke into your way. Edith, if you ever become the Duchess of Staines, my wildest dreams, at which you have so often laughed, will be more than realised."

"Aren't you forgetting that there happens to be a Duchess?"

"She is a person of the worst character, my dear. I remember the story now quite well—a most disreputable story. She entrapped him. This Earl of Datchet, who is plainly also a person of the loosest morals—I am deeply thankful that he wasn't in the train!—is evidently philandering about with her. Under such circumstances, of course" The lady pursed her lips.

"Mother, for shame!"

"Edith, don't be a fool!"

"And you compare such a person as the Duke of Staines with Douglas?"

"Edith, haven't I forbidden you to mention that man's name?"

"Douglas is at least a gentleman."

"He is a penniless adventurer. Hush! here comes his Grace."

The Duke came. He addressed Miss Paynter.

"Have a liquor?"

"I beg your pardon?"