"Isn't your beautiful Duke coming to have tea with us?" said Jeanne
a little anxiously.

"Oh, yes; I'm expecting him at half-past four. He had to go for a
ride with the two Du Buits. They're coming to tea here, too," said
Germaine.

"Gone for a ride with the two Du Buits? But when?" cried Marie
quickly.

"This afternoon."

"He can't be," said Marie. "My brother went to the Du Buits' house
after lunch, to see Andre and Georges. They went for a drive this
morning, and won't be back till late to-night."

"Well, but--but why did the Duke tell me so?" said Germaine,
knitting her brow with a puzzled air.

"If I were you, I should inquire into this thoroughly. Dukes--well,
we know what dukes are--it will be just as well to keep an eye on
him," said Jeanne maliciously.

Germaine flushed quickly; and her eyes flashed. "Thank you. I have
every confidence in Jacques. I am absolutely sure of him," she said
angrily.

"Oh, well--if you're sure, it's all right," said Jeanne.

The ringing of the telephone-bell made a fortunate diversion.