The Duke expressed a hope that she would put that down in writing, so that he could send it as a reference to any lady, or ladies, to whom he might be paying his suit, or suits. “However,” said the Duchess, “when we come to examine you in the home, what a different picture do we find! Your manners are monstrous, your graces those of a spoilt schoolboy, while your consideration for your wife such that, far from concealing from me your preference for the company of low women, you will actually,” said she, “bring them on board this yacht and make love to them under my very----” The Duke, he sighed. “In,” snapped the Duchess, “my company. And now,” she added calmly, “I will say good-bye.” “Child,” said the Duke softly, “must you go? Must you really? Can’t I tempt you to stay? Very well, then,” said he, “good-bye.” “Captain Tupper!” the Duchess called. “Captain Tupper,” the Duchess said, “I am going ashore. You will please see to it at once. I think my maid has everything packed. Thank you.” The Duke opened his eyes. It was an effort, for he was sleepy. “Captain Tupper,” said he, “her Grace will take the fastest cutter to the town to catch the Blue Train to Calais. Should a sleeper on the Blue Train be unavailable, you will see to it that she is accommodated with one of a suitable colour. We, in the cool of the evening, will make for Naples. Thank you.” The Duke closed his eyes again, for he was sleepy. The Duchess stared as though into the heart of the still blue bay, and who shall say what it was that she saw in that deep place, whether she saw the towers of her love torn down by the winds of man’s discontent, the ruins of her marriage washed in the infinite sea of man’s inconstancy? Her eyes darkened, and presently she said, bemused: “I am going now. _Adieu_, Maximilian.” “Leonora,” he said, with closed eyes, “I wish you all happiness and content.” “Content!” said she, and laughed. “Good-bye, Leonora.” She said: “Max, we were very happy once. We were lovers once. So happy--once upon a time!” He whispered: “‘_Out upon it, I have loved_ _Three whole days together!_ _And am like to love three more,_ _If it prove fine weather._’” [Illustration: _A Paramount Picture._ _The Ace of Cads._ “THE ACE OF CADS” TRIES TO FORGET HIS LOST ELEANOR AT THE GAMING TABLE] She: “Oh, but I can match you one vulgar Restoration gallant against another! “‘_Then talk not of inconstancy,_ _False hearts and broken vows;_ _If I by miracle can be_ _This live-long minute true to thee,_ ’_Tis all that Heaven allows._’” He sighed: “How I loved you, Leonora! As I had never loved anyone before, as I will never love anyone again!” “How I loved you, Maximilian! But now!” And she said: “A legal separation is a silly quibble. Besides, you might want to marry again. Or I might.” “Might, Leonora? But you will, must, can’t help but! With your beauty, youth, wealth.”