e document. On the parchment
was a large Chancery seal in green wax, called Lords' sealing-wax.

The face of the duchess, whose bosom was palpitating, and whose eyes
were swimming with passion, became overspread with a slight expression
of dissatisfaction.

"Ah!" she said. "What does she send me? A lot of papers! What a
spoil-sport that woman is!"

Pushing aside the parchment, she opened the vellum.

"It is her handwriting. It is my sister's hand. It is quite provoking.
Gwynplaine, I asked you if you could read. Can you?"

Gwynplaine nodded assent.

She stretched herself at full length on the couch, carefully drew her
feet and arms under her robe, with a whimsical affectation of modesty,
and, giving Gwynplaine the vellum, watched him with an impassioned look.

"Well, you are mine. Begin your duties, my beloved. Read me what the
queen writes."

Gwynplaine took the vellum, unfolded it, and, in a voice tremulous with
many emotions, began to read:--

"MADAM,--We are graciously pleased to send to you herewith, sealed and
signed by our trusty and well-beloved William Cowper, Lord High
Chancellor of England, a copy of a report showing forth the very
important fact that the legitimate son of Linnaeus Lord Clancharlie has
just been discovered and recognized, bearing the name of Gwynplaine, in
the lowest rank of a wandering and vagabond life, among strollers and
mountebanks. His false position dates from his earliest days. In
accordance with the laws of the country, and in virtue of his hereditary
rights, Lord Fermain Clancharlie, son of Lord Linnaeus, will be this day
admitted, and installed in his position in the House of Lords.
Therefore, having regard to your welfare, and wishing to preserve for
your use the property and estates of Lord Clancharlie of Hunkerville, we
substitute him in the place of Lord David Dirry-Moir, and recommend him
to your good graces. We have caused Lord Fermain to be conducted to
Corleone Lodge. We will and command, as sister and as Queen, that the
said Fermain Lord Clancharlie, hitherto called Gwynplaine, shall be your
husband, and that you shall marry him. Such is our royal pleasure."

While Gwynplaine, in tremulous tones which varied at almost every word,
was reading the document, the duchess, half risen from the couch,
listened with fixed attention. When Gwynplaine finished, she snatched
the letter from his hands.

"Anne R," she murmured in a tone of abstraction. Then picking up from