Then the duchess entered, with a glad light in her eyes, and a smile that was half wistful.

She greeted him warmly; she was pleased to see him--pleased to welcome him; the whole house was at his service, and everything in it.

He had never seen the duchess look better; she wore her favorite colors, amber and white.
"I have attended to your wishes, Norman," she said; "you must not blame me if you are dull.

I have asked no one to meet you." "There is no fear of my ever being dull here, Philippa," he returned.
"You forget that I am almost as much at home as you are yourself.

I can remember when I looked upon coming to Verdun Royal as coming home." A shadow of pain crossed her face at this reference to those early, happy days.