Page:Marsh--The seen and the unseen.djvu/333

Rh tastes are low rather than expensive. Major Bagshawe says that, financially, his position is even better now than when he came into his estate."

"Mamma, what are you driving at?"

"My dear, it is common talk that if he chose to apply for a divorce to-morrow, he would have ample grounds to go upon. If he married again—and he, of course, would marry"—Mrs. Paynter paused—"the Duchess of Staines would occupy, if she chose, one of the proudest positions in England—a position which even royalty would be glad to fill. She would have everything which the heart of a woman could desire. She would have the world at her feet"

II.

"You're awfully down upon a fellow. I ain't used to it, you know."

"No?"

It was after dinner. Miss Paynter and the Duke of Staines were alone together on the verandah of the Hôtel des Bains. The Duke was smoking. He puffed at his cigar. He wore an air of injury.

"No, I ain't, and so I tell you straight"

"I am sorry."

"Yes, a blooming lot of that, I make no doubt."

"Might I ask where you acquired that conversational style of which you are so fond? It isn't only that you are habitually addicted to the use of slang; it is such peculiar slang. It always reminds me of—shall I say a 'busman?"