She folded her hands and set her teeth together. Julia thought of the late three dukes, and trembled. 'No one should know better, dear Duchess. There remains one thing only. You tell me that the proposed match is to be one of pure affection--on both sides. I am truly rejoiced to hear it. Nothing is better calculated to allay these silly reports about Lady Carlyon and the Earl. Still you should know that outside people say that, should the Appeal go in your favour----' '"Should!" Julia, do not be absurd. It _must_ go in my favour. "_Should!_"' 'In that case the Earl has declared before witnesses that he will absolutely refuse, whatever the penalty, to accept your hand. How am I to meet such stories as this? By your authorised statement of mutual affection?' 'Idle gossip, Julia, may be left to itself. The Earl is only anxious to have the matter settled as soon as possible. Besides, is it in reason that he should have made such a declaration? Why, he knows--every man knows--that such a refusal would be nothing short of contempt--contempt of the Sovereign Majesty of the Realm. It is punishable--ay, and it _shall_ be punished--that is, it should be punished'--the face of the Duchess darkened--'by imprisonment with hard labour for life--Earl or no Earl.' 'Then, Duchess,' said Lady Despard, with a smile, 'I say no more. Of course, a marriage of affection should be encouraged; and we women are all match-makers. You will have the best wishes of all as soon as things are properly understood.' 'Julia,' the Duchess laid her hand upon her friend's arm, 'I am unfeignedly glad that you have told me all this. We have had an explanation which has cleared the air. I refuse to believe that my future husband has so lost all manly feeling as to fall in love. Imagine an Earl of Chester falling in love like a sentimental rustic! Your _canards_ about private interviews trouble me not; I am well assured that so well-bred a man will obey the will of the House without a murmur--nay, joyfully, even without consideration of his own inclinations, which, as I have told you, are already decided. And, upon my honour as a peeress, Julia, I am certain that when you come to my autumn party at Dunstanburgh in November next, you will acknowledge that the new Duke is the handsomest bridegroom in the world, that I am the most indulgent wife, and that there is not a happier couple in all England.' Nothing could be more gracious than the smile of the Duchess when she chose to smile. Lady Despard, although she knew by this time what the smile was worth, was nevertheless always carried away by it. For the moment she believed what her friend wished her to believe. 'My dear Duchess,' she cried with effusion, 'you _deserve_ happiness for your part; and, upon my word, I think that the boy will get it, whether he deserves it or not.' * * * * *