not know much of the English point of view yet--perhaps
if the Duke knew that there was some disgrace in the background of the
family he might forbid the marriage, and then she would be spoiling this
sweet Ethelrida's life.

And Ethelrida's fine senses told her there was no use pressing the
matter further, whatever the trouble was this was not the moment to
interfere; so she turned the conversation to lighter things, and,
finally, talked about her own wedding, and so the time passed.

The Dowager Lady Tancred was too proud to ask any one any questions,
although she talked alone with Lady Anningford and could easily have
done so: the only person she mentioned her anxiety to was her brother,
the Duke, when, later, she spoke a few words with him alone.

"Tristram looks haggard and very unhappy, Glastonbury," she said simply,
"have you anything to tell me about it?"

"My dear Jane," replied the Duke, "it is the greatest puzzle in the
world; no one can account for it. I gave him some sound advice at
Montfitchet, when I saw things were so strained, and I don't believe he
has taken it, by the look of them to-night. These young, modern people
are so unnaturally cold, though I did hear they had got through the
rejoicings, in fine style."

"It troubles me very much, Glastonbury--to go abroad and leave him
looking like that. Is it her fault? Or what--do you think?"

"'Pon my soul, I can't say--even the Crow could not unravel the mystery.
Laura Highford was at Montfitchet--confound her--would come; can she
have had anything to do with it, I wonder?"

Then they were interrupted and no more could be said, and finally the
party broke up, with the poor mother's feeling of anxiety unassuaged.
Tristram and Zara were to lunch with her to-morrow, to say good-bye, and
then she was going to Paris--by the afternoon train.

And Francis Markrute staying on to smoke a cigar with the Duke, and,
presumably, to say a snatched good night to his fiance, Tristram was
left to take Zara home alone.

Now would come the moment of the explanation! But she outwitted him,
for they no sooner got into the brougham and he had just begun to speak
than she leaned back and interrupted him:

"You insinuated something on the stairs this evening, the vileness of
which I hardly understood at first; I warn you I will hear no more upon
the subject!" and then her voice broke suddenly and she said,
passionately and yet with a pitiful note, "Ah! I am suffering