How beautifully her hair grew! The brow was queenly. How well it would look with an all-round crown of diamonds surmounting it. Sir John would probably give her something of the sort. These rich parvenus--people with but a grandfather, perhaps--would buy some flashy modern thing! That kind of head would do justice to family jewels. He knew of one particular crown which had belonged to a certain Duchess of early regency days, which was reposing now at Garrards, and which would be specially becoming. Italy--she had spoken of Italy, she had never been there; what a companion to take to Italy! She grasped the spirit of countries. How she had understood "Eothen!" But the people were rising--the sermon was over. Capital fellow, Woolman, his sermons were much shorter, though, than they used to be. Would she walk back across the park? Yes, of course, and he would have to motor. What contemptible slaves civilisation made of people! As everyone was assembled in the hall on the way to luncheon, the exasperated Duke came over to Katherine. "Can I find shelter in the peaceful backwater again this afternoon, Miss Bush? It is a vile day, you see, and no tennis is possible." "No, I am afraid not." "Does that mean no tennis or no backwater?" "Both." "Why?" "The schoolroom is not intended for visitors, and Sunday afternoon is the only time in which I can sit in the armchair myself and read." "I would not take more than the edge of the table, if you would let me come," eagerly, "and we could talk over what you are reading." Katherine looked at him, and there was reproach in her eyes. "Your Grace must know that it is altogether impossible for you to come to the schoolroom; it could but bring censure upon me--is it quite kind?" He was contrite in a moment. "Forgive me! I see my suggestion was not chivalrous--forgive me a thousand times." She moved on with the general company without answering and it chanced at luncheon that the Duke could see her face, and it looked to him rather sad. He felt a number of things, and even though it rained he went for a walk in the early afternoon alone. There was obviously only one post which a woman in her position in life could fill, in regard to a man in his----But every fine sentiment in him revolted at the picture of it. That proud head could never bow to the status of mistress. He must dismiss such vagrant thoughts, he must dismiss all thoughts of her except that she was a pleasant companion when chance allowed him to be naturally in her society, for a minute now and then.