"Oh, she is not really a duchess, my dear; it's only a nickname. I'll tell you all about it some day. It's a long story." Discovering that Mrs. Vandaleur was a family connection, and not a chance visitor from the neighbourhood, Mrs. O'Connor apologized for her remarks, and tried to extract the Duchess's history from Aunt Theresa then and there. But Mrs. Buller would only promise to tell it "another time." "I'm dying with curiosity," said Mrs. O'Connor, as she took leave, "I shall run in to-morrow afternoon on purpose to hear all about it. Can you do with me, dear Mrs. Buller?" "Pray come," said Aunt Theresa warmly, with an amiable disregard of two engagements and some arrears of domestic business. I was in the drawing-room next day when Mrs. O'Connor arrived. "May I come in, dear Mrs. Buller?" she said, "I won't stay two minutes; but I _must_ hear about the Duchess. Now, _are_ you busy?" "Not at all," said Aunt Theresa, who was in the midst of making up her tradesmen's books. "Pray sit down, and take off your bonnet." "It's hardly worth while, for I _can't_ stay," said Mrs. O'Connor, taking her bonnet off, and setting it down so as not to crush the flowers. As Mrs. O'Connor stayed two hours and a half, and as Aunt Theresa granted my request to be allowed to hear her narrative, I learnt a good deal of the history of my great-grandmother. CHAPTER VIII. A FAMILY HISTORY. "We are not really connected," Mrs. Buller began. "She is Margery's great-grandmother, and Margery and I are second cousins. That's all. But I knew her long ago, before my poor cousin Alice married Captain Vandaleur. And I have heard the whole story over and over again." I have heard the story more than once also. I listened with open mouth to Aunt Theresa at this time, and often afterwards questioned her about my "ancestors," as I may almost call them. Years later I used to repeat these histories to girls I was with. When we were on good terms they were interested to hear, as I was proud to tell, and would say, "Tell us about your ancestors, Margery." And if we fell out there was no surer method of annoying me than to slight the memory of my great-great-grandparents. I have told their story pretty often. I shall put it down here in my own way, for Aunt Theresa told a story rather disconnectedly.