In a natural desire for yet more publicity, that afternoon he took Pollyooly with him and drove over to Overton Grange to introduce her to the Ashcrofts, who had tried to play the part of mediators, with signal ill-success, between him and the duchess. The Ashcrofts had heard that Lady Marion Ricksborough had been present at the garden party at Ilkeston Towers the day before. They were surprised by the news and more than a little hurt that the duchess had not at once informed them that the duke had recovered her. Also they were feeling that the duke had brought Pollyooly to show her off to them as his triumph. Therefore Lord Ashcroft, a strong, silent, bearded man, was a trifle stiff with him, Lady Ashcroft a trifle cold; but they made up for it by giving Pollyooly the warmest welcome possible; their friendliness was almost overwhelming. After tea (to Pollyooly's regret there were no ices) Lady Ashcroft took her up to the nurseries where she found a little girl of eight and a little boy of six, and enjoyed herself thoroughly. They were better than ices. Lord Ashcroft and the duke smoked their cigarettes in silence for a while after Lady Ashcroft and Pollyooly had left them. Lord Ashcroft looked rather gloomy; the duke looked at peace with the world. Then Lord Ashcroft said gloomily: "How did you get hold of Marion?" "Oh, money--just money," said the duke airily but with perfect truthfulness. Lord Ashcroft frowned; and they were silent again. The duke, with the same air of content, lighted another cigarette. Presently Lord Ashcroft said: "She's very much improved both in looks and intelligence." The duke sat bolt upright and said quickly and with heat: "She's nothing of the kind!" "Oh, yes; she is. You know she is," said Lord Ashcroft firmly. "It's being with her mother." "It's nothing of the kind!" said the duke, still with heat. It seemed to him absurd to suggest that Pollyooly was superior to his daughter. "It is; and I shall write and tell Caroline so," said Lord Ashcroft with the same firmness. "I never knew such an obstinate--wrong-headed--" the duke broke out. He broke off short, paused, began to laugh, and laughed heartily. Then he said: "Oh, well; have it your own way. Write and tell her so." "I shall," said Lord Ashcroft in the tone of one bent on performing a sacred duty. "I don't see anything to laugh at." The duke again remained silent; but twice he laughed sudden, short laughs. Lord Ashcroft looked at him suspiciously. "I don't know quite what's happening to you, Osterley," he said presently in a tone hardly meant to be pleasant. "You're changing." "Yes: getting brighter," said the duke easily. "It may be that and again it may not," said Lord Ashcroft coldly; and he tugged at his beard.