On this I shall not have to find either defence or excuse for my conduct; you must know, however, that you are ever foremost in my thoughts, even when I am away from you." He was evidently doing his best to put on an air of tenderness and affection, but he failed; for though his words were kind, the tone of his voice was neither tender nor sympathetic.
"I hope I know my duty," said the Duchess.
"Pray, Marie," broke in he, "do not let the word duty be uttered between us.

You know that you have been much alone, because it was impossible for the friends of Mademoiselle de Puymandour to be those of the Duchess de Champdoce!" "Have I made any opposition to your orders ?" "Then, too, our mourning prevents us going out into the world for five months longer at least." "Have I asked to go out ?" "All the more reason that I should endeavor to make your home less dull for you.

I should like you to have with you some person in whose society you could find pleasure and distraction.

Not one of those foolish girls who have no thought save for balls and dress, but a sensible woman of the world, and, above all, one of your own age and rank,--a woman, in short, of whom you could make a friend.

But where can such a one be found?
It is a perilous quest to venture on, and upon such a friend often depends the happiness and misery of a home.
"But," continued he, after a brief pause, "I think that I have discovered the very one that will suit you.