After tea (to Pollyooly's regret there were no ices) Lady Ashcroft took her up to the nurseries where she found a little girl of eight and a little boy of six, and enjoyed herself thoroughly.

They were better than ices.
Lord Ashcroft and the duke smoked their cigarettes in silence for a while after Lady Ashcroft and Pollyooly had left them.

Lord Ashcroft looked rather gloomy; the duke looked at peace with the world.

Then Lord Ashcroft said gloomily: "How did you get hold of Marion ?" "Oh, money--just money," said the duke airily but with perfect truthfulness.
Lord Ashcroft frowned; and they were silent again.
The duke, with the same air of content, lighted another cigarette.
Presently Lord Ashcroft said: "She's very much improved both in looks and intelligence." The duke sat bolt upright and said quickly and with heat: "She's nothing of the kind!" "Oh, yes; she is.

You know she is," said Lord Ashcroft firmly.