"Don't ask me. I haven't the honour of knowing that great lady,"
cried Jeanne.

"Nor I," said Marie.

"Nor I," said Germaine. "But I have here the visiting-list of the
late Duchess of Charmerace, Jacques' mother. The two duchesses were
on excellent terms. Besides the Duchess of Veauleglise is rather
worn-out, but greatly admired for her piety. She goes to early
service three times a week."

"Then put three crosses," said Jeanne.

"I shouldn't," said Marie quickly. "In your place, my dear, I
shouldn't risk a slip. I should ask my fiance's advice. He knows
this world."

"Oh, goodness--my fiance! He doesn't care a rap about this kind of
thing. He has changed so in the last seven years. Seven years ago he
took nothing seriously. Why, he set off on an expedition to the
South Pole--just to show off. Oh, in those days he was truly a
duke."

"And to-day?" said Jeanne.

"Oh, to-day he's a regular slow-coach. Society gets on his nerves.
He's as sober as a judge," said Germaine.

"He's as gay as a lark," said Sonia, in sudden protest.