Ignobly I left the girl to bear the brunt of it, for I had glanced about the drawing-room and saw that Pearl had gone. So I vanished, too, coming to life in the deserted smoking-room, where she had settled herself beside the fire and was contentedly blowing rings. "It will be the last time," said I, taking a cigarette from her case and her proffered light. "To-morrow, I think, I shall go the way of Plumstone Smith and those Kansas City men you knew before you became smart." "Fellows," corrected Pearl. "To-morrow," I went on unheeding, "Sir Charles Wigge will offer you the hand of the great Duke of Nocastle." "I should not be surprised," said Pearl, blowing a big ring and sending a second hurtling through it. "Mrs. Radigan has told me that it is settled beyond question," said I, "for she has intimated plainly to Sir Charles that she and John will make up a purse for you. They won't be outbid by the Bumpschuses." "Then it is settled," said Pearl, "for who could refuse a duke? Think of being a duchess, of taking precedence over a dozen other American girls who have bought lords, of being able to snub that Bumpschus girl who married Nothingham, and Ethel Bumpschus, who won't marry Nocastle. Think of the columns in the papers, of the wedding-riot, and all that." Seldom had I heard Pearl say so much, never with such a burst of spirit, for generally she is in quiet mood. All was over now, it seemed to me. With the Duke the end had come and it was useless to fight against it. "It is dazzling," said I meekly, "and I do not blame you." "Still," said she meditatively, after a moment's silence, "there is one thing greater than to marry a duke." "And that?" said I. "That," said she, "is to----" Sir Charles loomed up before us, with Sally Radigan at his side. "It will take just a moment to settle it," I heard him say to his hostess. "Sir Wigge wishes to speak to you, Pearl," said Mrs. Radigan softly to her sister. And to me: "Come and make a four at bridge. Marian has gone to bed with a violent headache." "My dear Miss Vial," I heard Sir Charles say. Pearl blew one last smoke ring, tossed away her cigarette, and turned those lustrous eyes on him. I saw the inscrutable smile. "Do you wonder his Highness is crazy about her?" said Mrs. Radigan, as she led me away. CHAPTER XXI _Pearl Veal's Answer to the Duke of Nocastle_