“Indeed, sir?” said the Duke sympathetically. “Which is your house?”
“This,” answered the young man, pointing to the Duke’s villa.
The Duke could not entirely repress a slight movement of surprise and pleasure.
“This your house? Then you are——?” he began.
“Yes, yes, the Duke of Belleville,” interrupted the young man. “But there’s nobody in the house. I’m not expected——”
“I suppose not,” murmured the Duke.
“There are no servants, and I don’t know how to get in. It’s very awkward, because I’m expecting a—a friend to call.”
“With my assistance,” said the Duke deferentially, “your Grace might effect an entry by the window.”
“True!” cried the young man. “Bring your lantern and give me a light. Look here, I don’t want this talked about.”
“It is a matter quite between ourselves, your Grace,” the Duke assured him, as he led the way to the window.