Still, Lord Arleigh, although I do not share the fault, I share the disgrace--nothing can avert that from me." "Nothing of the kind," he opposed; "disgrace and yourself are as incompatible as pitch and a dove's wing." "But," she continued, wonderingly, "do you quite understand ?" "Yes; the duchess told me the whole story.

I understand it, and am truly grieved for you; I know the duke's share in it and all." He saw her face grow pale even to the lips.
"And yet you would be my friend--you whom people call proud--you whose very name is history! I cannot believe it, Lord Arleigh." There was a wistful look in her eyes, as though she would fain believe that it were true, yet that she was compelled to plead even against herself.
"We cannot account for likes or dislikes," he said; "I always look upon them as nature's guidance as to whom we should love, and whom we should avoid.

The moment I saw you I--liked you.

I went home, and thought about you all day long." "Did you ?" she asked, wonderingly.

"How very strange!" "It does not seem strange to me," he observed.