"No, for his many affaires de coeur," laughed another.
"Or that his 'hidden wife' is coming forth," said a London man, who read the news.
"More likely for some knightly act, by his Queen rewarded," echoed a soft-voiced Italian.
"Or his vote is promised for the war supply," said the London man.
"Carita, carita!" said Vaura, laughingly, and turning to the London man, "You forget the party motto, 'no bribery,' Mr. Howard, and if you all lend an ear, I shall tell you that instead of a peerage, our friend, as far as I know, is plain Capt. Trevalyon."
"Heresy, Miss Vernon, for he is not 'plain,' and you women will have it that he is a peer in our age."
"A peerless way of putting it, Mr. Howard," laughed Vaura.
"Luncheon is served, my lady," said the butler.
"Somebody take in everybody," said the Duchess. "We always go to luncheon sans ceremonie."
And so fate willed Signor Castenelli (the young Italian who had accompanied them to the landau) to Vaura. The table was gay with Sevres china and majolica ware, but the viands were poor and scanty, and the victuals few and far between. One man of healthy appetite could easily have laid bare dishes that had been prepared for seven, when five morning callers having been invited to remain, so lessened the morceau for each guest. The Duchess having decided on getting all her wardrobe from the magic scissors of Worth, had determined to retrench in the matter of wines, etc., not putting faith in the adage that "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."