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 Greydon." She rather grudged to a curate the chance of becoming acquainted with a Duchess.

"I was going away just as she arrived, but Lady Chester made me stay. The Duchess takes a great interest in our Convalescent Hospital; and I was not sorry to have an opportunity of interesting one of the Ladies Committee in our improvements."

"And did she talk of the Queen and the Princess Royal," asked Mrs. Hopkinson, who lived in a state of enthusiastic and loyal curiosity about the Court.

"No," he said, with a smile; "we did not soar beyond Susan Hopkins' asthma, and Keziah Brown's rheumatism. The Duchess seemed well acquainted with all the old ladies."

"Well, I suppose the aristocracy are not so bad as we are told," said Mrs. Hopkinson beaming with benevolence, "they seem to do a kind thing now and then."

"Now and then you may well say," murmured Willis. "What can they know of