The Duchess said: “However, I will not be provoked. It is too hot. I will content myself merely with remarking that in my considered opinion the ancient Dukedom of Mall does at present grace one with the manners of a boor and the habits of a stable-boy.” “Leonora, you go too far!” She sighed: “Dear, had I, before marrying you, gone even a little further, how much more comfortably I had fared!” For as long as it takes to say a forbidden word of one syllable the young Duke’s fair features wore the air of a battlefield: thereon anger fought with apathy: but was, by the grace of God and a public-school education, repulsed. “Not, mind you,” said the Duchess, “that I can blame the pretty dolls whom you encourage to pursue you under my very nose.” The Duke remarked that she had a very beautiful nose, a very small nose. The Duchess thanked him. “But,” said the Duke, “by the number of things which you accuse me of doing under it, any one would think it cast as long a shadow as Lord Nelson’s column. For the sake of your own beauty,” he pleaded earnestly, “may I beg you to leave your nose, much as I admire it, out of my supposed infidelities?” The Duchess remarked that she could quite well understand why women pursued him with their attentions. Yet, as she spoke, no spark of bitterness pointed her low light voice, no trace of jealousy marred her urbanity. She remarked that he was very rich. His rank was second only to his King’s. He was very handsome. He was charming. The Duke thanked her. “However,” said the Duchess. “Ah, that’s not too good,” sighed the Duke. “I knew there was a catch somewhere.” “However,” said the Duchess, “the beauty that you most admire in any woman is the beauty of her not being a woman you already know: the only charm of which you never are tired is the charm of novelty.” “One likes a change,” sighed the Duke. “If that’s what you are talking about.” “It certainly is,” said the Duchess. “Well, don’t let me hinder you,” said the Duke. He was rude. “I am all attention. But should I interrupt you, sweet, you must forgive me, for I am apt to talk in my sleep.” “Oh, but haven’t I made quite a collection of names like Dolly and Lucy and Maudie!” The Duke said one word. It expressed all the volumes that could be written by the men who, alas, cannot write. But the Duchess had now been in England for four years and knew that the facility with which an Englishman can swear at his wife does not detract in the least from his deep respect for Womanhood, else would England be what England undoubtedly is? She said: “Maximilian, I want to tell you that you are a _most_ extraordinary man. In public, for instance, you are all that is charming; and many who know of our private disagreements can’t but think the fault is mine, since in public you are so very _right_ and seem never for a moment deficient in the manners, graces and consideration proper to a great gentleman.”