Fortunately this was said almost under her breath, so that no one could distinguish what it was except the old lord himself, who was extremely distressed and puzzled. He remained downstairs very anxious while the women attended Mary to her room. What should little Duke have to do with it? Why should he be brought in? The child hung about his uncle asking a thousand questions. What was the matter with Aunt Mary? Why did she look so pale? Was she going to bed so early before tea? What did she want with the doctor? Duke had not discrimination enough to see that he was not wanted, but when Lord Frogmore’s patience broke down, and he said, sharply, “Go away, child; for goodness sake go away,” Duke retired in great offence, feeling that the world was a desert, and that nothing but an abrupt return home would make it worth while to live. It was all he could do to keep himself from setting out at once on foot. He rushed out into the hall with that intention, but was checked by the sight of the butler at the door, who was still giving his instructions to the mounted groom outside. “He’s to come as fast as he can, and you’re to go on wherever he may have gone till you find him--a deal of fuss about nothing,” the butler was saying. “My missus----,” but here he broke off, seeing the puzzled face of little Duke, and the groom rode off at great speed, as if he had never lingered for a minute’s gossip during all his life. “Is Aunt Mary very ill?” said Duke. “I don’t think so, sir; no more than other ladies,” said the experienced butler. “Mamma’s ill sometimes,” said the little boy. “They mostly is, sir,” returned the other grimly. “But she won’t take nasty physic as we have to do--nurse never asks me, though I am the oldest, and the one that is of most consequence.” “You’ve always been the heir, my little gentleman,” said the little butler, “and made a deal of fuss with; but I wouldn’t say nothing on that subject if I were you now.” “Why?” said the Duke, opening large eyes; but Mr. Porter had occupied enough of his precious time with a little boy, and now turned away vouchsafing no reply. CHAPTER XX.