never have been, and
never will be, engaged to the Duke of Cumbervale, or to any other man.
That is what I shall do about it."

"It would mortify the duke very much."

"I do not care if it does."

"And, indeed, it would put Mr. Rockharrt into a terrible rage."

"I cannot help it. Here come the gentlemen."

At that moment the four gentlemen entered the drawing room. The duke
came directly up to Cora, and bending over her, said in a low voice
inaudible to the rest of the party:

"Corona, you have blessed me beyond the power of words to express! Only
the dedication of a life to your happiness--"

There the ardent lover was suddenly stopped by the cold look of surprise
in Cora's eyes. His face took on a disturbed expression.

"I think there is some serious mistake here, sir, which we may set right
at some more fitting opportunity. Will you have the kindness not to
refer to the comedy enacted at our dinner table to-night?"

"I will obey you, although I do not understand you," said the duke.

"Oblige me, duke! I want to show you a map of the projected Oregon and
Alaska railroad," said the Iron King, coming toward his guest with a
roll of parchment in his hands.

The duke immediately arose and went off with his host to a distant
table, where the map was spread out, and the two gentlemen sat down to
examine it. Mr. Fabian and Mr. Clarence came over to join Cora and
Violet.

"This is a pretty march you have stolen on us, Cora! I had no more idea
of this than the man in the moon! But I congratulate you, my dear! I
congratulate you! Your present from me shall be a set of the most
splendid diamonds that can be got together by the diamond merchants of
Europe. No mere set that can be picked up ready set, eh? Diamonds that
shall grace a duchess, my dear!" said Mr. Fabian ostentatiously.

"Cora, my dear, I was as much surprised as Fabian. But, oh! I was happy
for your sake. The duke is a good fellow, I am sure, and awfully in love
with you. Ah! didn't he offer a just and heartfelt tribute to the
father! I declare, Cora, I never fully appreciated my father, or
realized what a great benefactor he was to the human race, until the
duke made that little speech in proposing his health. How appreciative
the duke is! Really, Cora, dear, you are a very happy woman, and I
congratulate you with all my heart and soul; indeed, I do," said Mr.
Clarence, wringing the young lady's hand, and turning away to hide the
tears that filled hi