"I really very much dislike this kind of gossip," he said, stiffly, "but perhaps I had better say that Lady Henry believes that the affair with Delafield was only one of several. She talks of a certain Captain Warkworth--" "Yes," said the Duchess, nodding. "I know; but he sha'n't have Julie." Her smile completed the Duke's annoyance. "What have you to do with it? I beg, Evelyn--I insist--that you leave Miss Le Breton's love affairs alone." "You forget, Freddie, that she is my _friend_." The little creature fronted him, all wilfulness and breathing hard, her small hands clasped on her breast. With an angry exclamation the Duke departed. * * * * * At half-past eight a hansom dashed up to Crowborough House. Montresor emerged. He found the two ladies and Jacob Delafield just beginning dinner, and stayed with them an hour; but it was not an hour of pleasure. The great man was tired with work and debate, depressed also by the quarrel with his old friend. Julie did not dare to put questions, and guiltily shrank into herself. She divined that a great price was being paid on her behalf, and must needs bitterly ask whether anything that she could offer or plead was worth it--bitterly suspect, also, that the query had passed through other minds than her own. After dinner, as Montresor rose with the Duchess to take his leave, Julie got a word with him in the corridor. "You will give me ten minutes' talk?" she said, lifting her pale face to him. "You mustn't, mustn't quarrel with Lady Henry because of me." He drew himself up, perhaps with a touch of haughtiness. "Lady Henry could end it in a moment. Don't, I beg of you, trouble your head about the matter. Even as an old friend, one must be allowed one's self-respect." "But mayn't I--" "Nearly ten o'clock!" he cried, looking at his watch. "I must be off this moment. So you are going to the house in Heribert Street? I remember Lady Mary Leicester perfectly. As soon as you are settled, tell me, and I will present myself. Meanwhile "--he smiled and bent his black head towards her--"look in to-morrow's papers for some interesting news." He sprang into his hansom and was gone. Julie went slowly up-stairs. Of course she understood. The long intrigue had reached its goal, and within twelve hours the _Times_ would announce the appointment of Captain Warkworth, D.S.O., to the command of the Mokembe military mission. He would have obtained his heart's desire--through her.