Suddenly I saw myself, and the utterly rotten life I had led, that this, my old friend, even, could not be sure of my chivalry. I loathed the lax, cheap honor of the world and its hypocrisy. I could not even be indignant with the Duchesse, judging me from that standpoint. She was right, but I did tell her that men had a slightly different angle in looking upon such things in England, where women worked, and were respected in all classes, and that the idea of making love to any secretary would never have entered my head. It was the intelligence and the dignity of Alathea herself which had made me desire her for a companion. "It is well that you are English, Nicholas. No Frenchman of family could have married the daughter of a man who had cheated at cards." "Even if the girl was good and splendid like Alathea, Duchesse?" "For that, no, my son, we have little left but our traditions, and our names, and those things matter to us. No, frankly, I could not have permitted the union had you been my son." So I had been right in my analysis of what would be the bent of my old friend's mind. "You are pleased now, though, dear Duchesse?" I pleaded. "It seems impossible, from my point, and I would not have encouraged it, but since it is done, I can but wish my dear Alatheé and you, my dear boy true happiness." Again I took and kissed her kind hand. "In England, especially in this war time, questions are not asked, _n'est ce pas_? She can be 'Sharp' simply and not Bulteel, then it may pass. For the girl, herself, you have a rare jewel, Nicholas--unselfish, devoted, true, but the will of the devil! You shall not be able to turn her as you wish, if her ideas go the other way!" "Duchesse, the situation is peculiar, there is no question of love in it. Alathea is marrying me merely that she may give money to her family. I am marrying that I may have a secretary without scandal. We are not going to be really husband and wife." The Duchesse dropped her fire-screen, her clever-eyes were whimsical and sparkling. "_Tiens_!" she said, and never has the delicious word conveyed so much meaning! "You believe that truly Nicholas? Alatheé is a very pretty girl when properly dressed--" "And without glasses!" "As you say, without glasses, which I hear cover her fine eyes when in your society!" "I asked her to marry me under those terms, and it was only upon those terms she accepted me." The Duchesse laughed. "A nice romance! Well, my son, I wish you joy!" "Duchesse," and I leaned forward, "do you really think I can make her love me? Am I too awful? Is there a chance?" The Duchesse patted my arm and her face shone with kindliness. "Of course, foolish boy!" And she broke into French, using the "thee" and "thou" again affectionately. 'I was very handsome!--that which remained,--and all would look the same as ever when the repairing should be complete!'