n private sitting room to resume her labor of love, the
life of her lost husband.

Earlier than usual that afternoon the Iron King returned home
accompanied by their guest and by Mr. Clarence, who had come with them
in honor of the duke. The evening was spent in a rubber of whist, in
which Mr. Rockharrt and the duke, who were partners, were the winners
over Cora and Mr. Clarence, their antagonists. The evening was finished
at the usual hour with champagne and sago biscuits.

The next morning, when Mr. Rockharrt and Mr. Clarence were about to
leave the house for the carriage to take them to North End, the Iron
King turned abruptly and said to his granddaughter:

"By the way, Cora, Fabian and Violet are coming to dinner this evening
to meet the duke. It will be a mere family affair upon a family
occasion, eh, duke! A very quiet little dinner among ourselves. No other
guests! Good morning."

And so saying the old man left the house, accompanied by his son.

Cora returned to the drawing room, where she had left the duke. He
arose immediately and placed a chair for her; but she waved her hand in
refusal of it, and standing, said very politely:

"You will find the magazines of the month and the newspapers of the day
on the table of the library on the opposite side of the hall, if you
feel disposed to look over them."

"The papers of to-day! How is it possible you are so fortunate as to get
the papers of to-day at so early an hour, at so remote a point?"
inquired the duke, probably only to hold her in conversation.

"Mr. Clarence Rockharrt's servant takes them from the earliest mail and
starts with them for Rockhold. Mr. Rockharrt usually reads the morning
papers here before his breakfast."

"A wonderful conquest over time and space are our modern locomotives,"
observed the duke.

Cora assented, and then said:

"Pray use the full freedom of the house and grounds; of the servants
also, and the horses and carriages. Mr. Rockharrt places them all at
your disposal. But please excuse me, for I have an engagement which will
occupy me nearly all day."

The duke looked disappointed, but bowed gravely and answered:

"Of course; pray do not let me be a hindrance to your more important
occupations, Mrs. Rothsay."

"Thank you!" she answered, a little vaguely, and with a smile she left
the room,

"Rejoicing to be free!"

The duke anathematized his fate in finding so much difficulty in the way
of his wooing, his lad