'I know that I am after mine,--a few minutes,' said the lady. He
told himself that though she was not a young woman, yet she was
attractive. She was dark, and still wore her black hair in curls,
such as now seldom seen with ladies. Perhaps the reduced light of
the chamber had been regulated with some regard to her complexion
and her age. The effect, however, was good, and Frank Tregear felt
at once interested in her.

'You have just come up from Matching?' he said.

'Yes; only the day before yesterday. It is very good of you to
come to me so soon.'

'Of course I came when you sent for me. I am afraid the Duke felt
his loss severely.'

'How should he not, such a loss as it was? Few people knew how
much he trusted her, and how dearly he loved her.'

'Silverbridge has told me that he is awfully cut up.'

'You have seen Lord Silverbridge then?'

'Just at present I am living with him, at Carlton Terrace.'

'In the Duke's house?' she asked, with some surprise.

'Yes, in the Duke's house. Silverbridge and I have been very
intimate. Of course the Duke knows that I am there. Is there any
chance of him coming to town?'