Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/260

 than his Grace had reason to guess, moreover, a powerful will had been reënforced by a growing animosity.

"Before I go," said Sir Dugald, "there is one last word, and to me it seems of great importance."

The Duke sat silent, a stony eye fixed upon his visitor.

"First, let me say as one man of the world to another, that your objection to my marrying Lady Muriel is injudicious."

"No doubt—from your point of view. But we won't go into that."

"On the contrary, I think we had better. As I say, it is injudicious. We have fully made up our minds to marry. You can't hinder us, you know—so why make things uncomfortable?"

"Because I dislike it, sir—I dislike it intensely!" His Grace was suddenly overwhelmed by his feelings.

"Do you mind stating the grounds of your objection?"

"It would be tedious to enumerate them."

"Well, I'd like you to realize the advantages of letting things go on as they are."

"There are none so far as one can see at the moment."

"We are coming to them now," said Sir Dugald blandly. "In the first place, has it occurred to you that I may know the history of Mr. Dinneford's fiancée?"

The Duke stared fixedly at the man before him. "What do you mean?" he said.

"Suppose one happens to know her secret?"

"Her secret!"

"Her origin and early history."

"What do you mean?"

"Is there really any need to ask the question?"