Earlier than usual that afternoon the Iron King returned home accompanied by their guest and by Mr. Clarence, who had come with them in honor of the duke. The evening was spent in a rubber of whist, in which Mr. Rockharrt and the duke, who were partners, were the winners over Cora and Mr. Clarence, their antagonists. The evening was finished at the usual hour with champagne and sago biscuits. The next morning, when Mr. Rockharrt and Mr. Clarence were about to leave the house for the carriage to take them to North End, the Iron King turned abruptly and said to his granddaughter: "By the way, Cora, Fabian and Violet are coming to dinner this evening to meet the duke. It will be a mere family affair upon a family occasion, eh, duke! A very quiet little dinner among ourselves. No other guests! Good morning." And so saying the old man left the house, accompanied by his son. Cora returned to the drawing room, where she had left the duke. He arose immediately and placed a chair for her; but she waved her hand in refusal of it, and standing, said very politely: "You will find the magazines of the month and the newspapers of the day on the table of the library on the opposite side of the hall, if you feel disposed to look over them." "The papers of to-day! How is it possible you are so fortunate as to get the papers of to-day at so early an hour, at so remote a point?" inquired the duke, probably only to hold her in conversation. "Mr. Clarence Rockharrt's servant takes them from the earliest mail and starts with them for Rockhold. Mr. Rockharrt usually reads the morning papers here before his breakfast." "A wonderful conquest over time and space are our modern locomotives," observed the duke. Cora assented, and then said: "Pray use the full freedom of the house and grounds; of the servants also, and the horses and carriages. Mr. Rockharrt places them all at your disposal. But please excuse me, for I have an engagement which will occupy me nearly all day." The duke looked disappointed, but bowed gravely and answered: "Of course; pray do not let me be a hindrance to your more important occupations, Mrs. Rothsay." "Thank you!" she answered, a little vaguely, and with a smile she left the room, "Rejoicing to be free!" The duke anathematized his fate in finding so much difficulty in the way of his wooing, his ladylove evading him with a grace, a coolness, and a courtesy which he was constrained to respect. He strolled into the library, and then loitered along on the path leading down to the ferry. Here he found the boat at the little wharf and old Lebanon on duty. "Sarvint, marster," said the old negro, touching his rimless old felt hat. "Going over?" "Yes, my man," said the duke, stepping on board the boat. "W'ich dey calls me Uncle Lebnum as mentions ob me in dese parts, marster," the old ferryman explained, touching his hat. "Oh, they do? Very well. I will remember," said the passenger, as the boat was pushed off from the shore.