“I came, as I have said before, to answer your letter in person. I am glad I have done so, I have seen things with my own eyes, and I can realize your position more clearly than hitherto. I see you surrounded with luxury. A duchess could have no more. I see your father, by no means the frail invalid that I was led to expect; I see your friends--your--pausing expressively--_admirers_! I’ve had, in short, a glimpse into your life, and realized the powerful cords--you call them claims--that bind you here, and have drawn you away from me.” He paused again for a moment, making a quick gesture with his hand to show that Madeline must hear him out. “And now I have come to tell you my last word. You will--or, if you wish, _I_ will--tell your father the truth now--within the hour. It will then depend upon circumstances, whether you leave England or not. If your father wishes to have you and Harry with him, I shall say nothing against it.” Madeline listened to this long and authoritative speech with some dismay. This plan would not suit her at all. What would all her gay society friends say--and most of them were coming to the Riviera--if, instead of the brilliant Miss West, they found Mrs. Wynne--a prodigal daughter who had married without leave, and who was hampered with a teething baby? And Laurence was really becoming quite too overbearing! She would not give in--if she succumbed _now_, it was for always. What a fuss he was making, simply because she was going abroad for three months with her father. “Surely you can wait until we come back. You see, papa is not in a state now for any sudden excitement. I will tell him if you wish in a month, when he has completely recovered----”