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 his estrangement from his relations, he had never met. Forsyth imparted the information that for the last six months, since she “came out,” she had virtually ruled the late Duke’s household.

“But she can be little more than a child,” Beaumanoir protested. “Anyhow, I can’t keep a cousin of eighteen on as my housekeeper without setting Mrs. Grundy’s tongue wagging. The question arises what to do with her. Old Pattison tells me she is well provided for, but I don’t like telling her to clear out if it does not occur to her to go. What sort is she, Alec?”

“That’s rather a stiff question to put to me,” Forsyth replied, as though to himself. “I had better make my confession first as last,” he went on hurriedly. “You are her nearest relative now, and the head of her family. Ever since I first saw Sybil Hanbury the dearest wish of my heart has been to make her my wife, but without prospects of any kind I couldn’t very well ask her. There you have it, my noble patron, in a nutshell.”

Beaumanoir patted his friend’s knee affectionately.

“My dear fellow, go in and win, so far as