'Let me resume. It is my duty to consider nothing but the interests of my ward. Very good. I have considered them. My Lord Chester, in giving your hand to the Duchess of Dunstanburgh, I serve your best and highest interests. The case is decided. There is no more to be said.' 'There is, on the contrary, much more to be said,' observed Constance. 'I give your ladyship notice of appeal to the House of Peeresses. I shall appeal to them, and to the nation through them, whether your decision in this case is reasonable, just, and in accordance with the interests of your ward.' This was, indeed, a formidable threat. An appeal to the House meant, with such fighting-power as Constance and her party, although a minority, possessed, and knew how to direct, a delay of perhaps six months, even if the case came on from day to day. Even the practised old Duchess, used to the wordy warfare of the House, shrank from such a contest. 'You will not, surely, Lady Carlyon,' she said, 'drag your cousin's name into the Supreme Court of Appeal.' 'I certainly will,' replied Constance. 'It will cost hundreds of thousands, and months--months of struggle.' 'As for the cost, that is my affair; as for the delay, I can wait--perhaps longer than your Grace.' The Duchess said no more. Twice had Lady Carlyon insulted her. But her revenge would wait. 'We have already,' she said, 'occupied too much of the Chancellor's valuable time. I wish your ladyship good morning.' Lord Chester offered his arm. 'Thank you,' she said accepting it, 'as far as the carriage-door only, _for the present_. I trust, my lord, that before long you will have the right to enter the carriage with me. Meanwhile, believe me, that it is not through my fault that your name is to be made the subject of public discussion. Pending the appeal, let us not betray, by appearing together, any feeling other than that of pure friendship. And I hope,' viciously addressing Constance, 'that you, young lady, will observe the same prudence.' Constance simply bowed and said nothing. The Chancellor rose, shook hands with her ward, and retired. The Duchess leaned upon the strong arm which led her to her carriage, and kissed her hand in farewell to the young man with so much affection and friendly interest that it was beautiful to behold. After this act of politeness, the young man returned to Constance. 'Painted----' he began. 'Edward, I will not allow it. Silence, sir! We part here for the present.' 'Constance,' he whispered, 'you will not forget--_all_ that I said?' 'Not one word,' she replied with troubled brow. 'But we must meet no more for a while.' 'Courage!' cried the Professor, 'we have gained time.' CHAPTER IV THE GREAT DUCHESS