"But I assure you, Mordryn, Sir John is not in the least upset by her origin or her suburban relations; he realises the magnificent qualities of the creature herself, and he knows very well that she will make the finest hostess, and the most dignified figurehead for Dullinglea that he could find; besides, with her health and youth, he can look forward to a strong little son by this time next year." Mordryn found himself absolutely revolted--Katherine--(so her name was Katherine?) Katherine--this delicious creature to be the mother of that shocking bore John Townly's son! The red flush mounted to his broad forehead. "It is not their relative worldly positions I alluded to, Seraphim--but their ages and appearances--and, oh! tastes! I think it is perfectly inhuman of you, and I cannot countenance such a thing." "Mordryn! I am really surprised!--how can it possibly matter to you? You must have seen for yourself that night at Gerard's what a charming companion she can make, and how utterly she is wasted in the position of secretary--and yet you won't help me to do the poor child this good turn!" "If you put it in that way--ask whom you like, but I cannot think how any woman, to escape any position, could sell herself to such a man as John Townly!" His tone was heated and his blue eyes flashed. "That is just the tiresome part of it," and Her Ladyship looked concerned. "I believe she has your same foolish and romantic ideas, and so I thought if she could see him here among this fine company, perhaps the desire to remain in it, and the glamour of the thing might bring her up to the scratch. Mordryn, do help me like a kind friend. Just think, if she were to leave me, whom else would she ever see? She has quite separated from her own family; she has nothing but a life of drudgery in front of her, and she is fitted in every way to be a queen. She is so extremely self-controlled, she would never make any slips afterwards, and her ambitions could be gratified and make up for lack of love." "I think the idea is disgusting," His Grace snapped impatiently; "but send your wire, by all means." Then he abruptly turned the conversation, and presently Her Ladyship left him alone, very well pleased with her work! And the groom of the chambers was handed a warmly worded invitation to telegraph to Hornwell, as she passed to her room. CHAPTER XXIX When he was left alone the Duke swore sharply to himself. He was not a man accustomed to the use of strong language--but occasions arose in life sometimes when a good sound oath seemed to relieve tension! Then he paced up and down his long room. His imagination was on fire. He could see Katherine--he dwelt on the name "Katherine"--in the baboon embrace of old John Townly--loathsome picture!