Alistair went across to St. Malo to meet the English boat, and the moment he saw him the Duke guessed the truth. The brothers had not been really cordial for many years, though for their mother’s sake both tried to keep up a conventional friendliness. But on this occasion Alistair greeted his brother with an unaffected kindliness which sprang from the new happiness in his heart. He was at peace with the world; he wished to be at peace with Trent as well. He wanted to forget past grudges, and to view his brother’s character and conduct towards him in the most favourable light. “I am so glad you have come, Trent,” he said heartily. “This place is fairyland itself, without the ogres.” “What about Sir Bernard Vanbrugh?” “He is quite well. Do you mean, is he an ogre?” Trent nodded. He knew something about the scientist. “I have not found him very formidable so far,” Alistair said cheerfully. His brother’s hint had made an impression on him nevertheless. He had suspected for some time that it would not be all plain sailing with Sir Bernard Vanbrugh, and this confirmation of his fears from another quarter depressed him considerably. Trent was satisfied. He saw that his brother had not yet spoken to Hero’s father, although he might have spoken to Hero. The Duchess was waiting at the villa to welcome her eldest son. Almost the first thing she said to him was: “I have asked the Vanbrughs to dine here to-night. I thought you would like to see your old friend Hero.” “Yes, I should like to see her,” the Home Secretary replied impassively. The suspicious glance which Alistair darted at him was met and repelled by the Minister’s reserve. “I shouldn’t wonder if you liked Sir Bernard too,” the Duchess added. “He is an extraordinary man. He seems to know almost all about everything.” “I have met him,” Trent said, with the same cold indifference. “He impressed me as an extremely able man--a man of strong character.” The Duchess waited till she and Trent were alone to broach the topic that was engrossing her thoughts. “I think all is going well,” she said. “They seem quite wrapped up in each other. But I am still a little anxious about Alistair. The poor boy seems to be so much ashamed of his disgrace; he has told me that he does not think he is good enough for a girl like Hero Vanbrugh.” “The question is what she thinks, isn’t it?” “Yes; that is what I want you to tell him. You can put it better than I can. A little encouragement from you just now might turn the scale. We can save him--and you will help me, dear?” “You haven’t said anything to her father, I suppose?” “No.” The Duchess looked a little troubled. “He is not a man I should find it easy to be confidential with. I think I am a little afraid of him.” “I think you are right,” pronounced the rejected suitor.