He is to go after Christmas." "And will give up his seat ?" The Duke did not answer her immediately.

It had only just been decided,--decided by his friend himself,--that the seat should be given up when the journey to Persia was undertaken.

Mr.Grey, somewhat in opposition to the Duke's advice, had resolved that he could not be in Persia and do his duty in the House of Commons at the same time.

But this resolution had only now been made known to the Duke, and he was rather puzzled to think how the Duchess had been able to be so quick upon him.

He had, indeed, kept the matter back from the Duchess, feeling that she would have something to say about it, which might possibly be unpleasant, as soon as the tidings should reach her.