Then he summoned up courage, and said to her: "Where is your fair companion, Philippa ?" "She is somewhere about the grounds," replied the duchess.

"I can never persuade her to remain in-doors unless she has something to do.

So you have not forgotten her ?" added the duchess, after a short pause.
"I have not forgotten her, Philippa.

I shall have something very important to say to you about her before I go away again." She gave no sign that she understood him, but began to talk to him on a number of indifferent matters--the warmth of the weather, his journey down, the last news from her husband--and he answered her somewhat impatiently.

His thoughts were with Madaline.
At last the signal of release came.
"We need not play at 'company,' Norman," said the duchess.