that the horrid difficulties are smoothed away.

DUCHESS.

Yes, you were telling me of some sad obstacles--

MRS. EDEN.

I nearly perished of them! [_Very confidentially._] There's no doubt,
you know, that his past _has_ been exceptionally naughty.

DUCHESS.

Really? Ah! don't be surprised that I am not more deeply shocked. In
these surroundings it is hard to realise that every aspect of life is
not as lovely as--[_pointing to the foliage_] the tones of those
exquisite, deep greens, for example.

MRS. EDEN.

However, the dear thing is going to be _so_ good in the future.
[_Turning to the_ DUCHESS.] I keep forgetting--Lord Quex is a very old
friend of yours?

DUCHESS.

[_Serenely._] An acquaintance of many years' standing. But since his
Grace has been an invalid we have lived much abroad, or in seclusion,
and gossip has not reached us. Alas, you find me a ready subject _à
désillusionner_! [_Rising._] We are in the sun. Shall we walk?