As to this conversation Lady Chiltern said very little to Adelaide, but she did mention the proposed visit to Matching.
"The Duchess said nothing to me," replied Adelaide, proudly.
"No; I don't suppose she had time. And then she is so very odd; sometimes taking no notice of one, and at others so very loving."
"I hate that."
"But with her it is neither impudence nor affectation. She says exactly what she thinks at the time, and she is always as good as her word. There are worse women than the Duchess."
"I am sure I wouldn't like going to Matching," said Adelaide.
Lady Chiltern was right in saying that the Duchess of Omnium was always as good as her word. On the next day, after that interview with Lord Chiltern about Mr. Fothergill and the foxes,—as to which no present further allusion need be made here,—she went to work and did learn a good deal about Gerard Maule and Miss Palliser. Something she learned from Lord Chiltern,—without any consciousness on his lordship's part, something from Madame Goesler, and something from the Baldock people. Before she went to bed on the second night she knew all about the quarrel, and all about the money. "Plantagenet," she said the next morning, "what are you going to do about the Duke's legacy to Marie Goesler?"
"I can do nothing. She must take the things, of course."
"She won't."
"Then the jewels must remain packed up. I suppose they'll be sold at last for the legacy duty, and, when that's paid, the balance will belong to her."