"It's being with her mother." "It's nothing of the kind!" said the duke, still with heat.

It seemed to him absurd to suggest that Pollyooly was superior to his daughter.
"It is; and I shall write and tell Caroline so," said Lord Ashcroft with the same firmness.
"I never knew such an obstinate--wrong-headed--" the duke broke out.
He broke off short, paused, began to laugh, and laughed heartily.

Then he said: "Oh, well; have it your own way.

Write and tell her so." "I shall," said Lord Ashcroft in the tone of one bent on performing a sacred duty.

"I don't see anything to laugh at." The duke again remained silent; but twice he laughed sudden, short laughs.