"You must go alone then, Westenra, for I cannot go with you." "Just as you please, mother. I would rather you had the courage; but still, never mind, darling, I will do it by myself." Mother looked at me in despair. "How old are you?" she said suddenly. "You know quite well," I replied, "I was twenty-one a month ago." Mother shook her head sadly. "If you really intend to carry out this awful idea, West, you must consider youth a thing of the past," she said. I smiled and patted her cheek. "Nothing of the sort," I answered; "I mean to be young and vigorous and buoyant and hopeful as long as I have you with me, so there! Now, may I ring the bell and tell Paul to desire Jenkins to bring the victoria round at eleven o'clock?" Mother could not refuse, and having executed this order I sat down with considerable appetite to breakfast. I was really enjoying myself vastly. Punctual to the hour, I stepped into our pretty carriage. First of all I would visit my dear old godmother, the Duchess of Wilmot. Accordingly, early as it was, I told Jenkins to drive me to the Duchess's house in Park Lane. When we drew up at the house I jumped out, ran up the steps and sounded the bell. The man who opened the door informed me that her Grace was at home to no one at so early an hour. I thought for a moment, then I scribbled something on a little piece of paper. "Dear Duchess," I said, "I want to see you particularly, the matter is very urgent.--Your god-daughter, WESTENRA WICKHAM." This I twisted up and gave to the man. "Give that to her Grace, I will wait to see if there is an answer," I said. He came down in a moment or two. "Her Grace will see you, Miss Wickham," he said. I entered the house, and following the footman up some winding stairs and down some corridors, I was shown into the small boudoir where the Duchess generally sat in the morning. She was fully dressed, and busily writing notes. "That will do, Hartop," she said to the man; "close the door, please. Now then, Westenra, what is the meaning of this? What eccentric whim has induced you to visit me at so early an hour?" "I wanted to tell you something," I said; "mother is awfully distressed, but I thought you had better know." "How queer you look, my child, and yet I seldom saw you brighter or handsomer. Take off your hat and sit near me. No, I am not specially busy. Is it about the Russells' reception? Oh, I can take you if your mother is not strong enough. You want to consult me over your dress? Oh, my dear Westenra, you must wear----" "It has nothing to do with that," I interrupted. "Please let me speak. I want to say something so badly. I want to consult you." "Of course," said her Grace. She laid her jewelled hand on my arm. How I loved that white hand! How I adored my beautiful old friend! It would be painful to give her up. Was she going to give me up?