Yorke looked at him.
"Though my body's twisted, my brain is straighter and more acute than yours," said the duke with a smile, "and I will tell you what to do. Wire to the landlady at the house they lived in, Sea View. What was the woman's name?"
"Merrick," said Yorke.
"Yes, Merrick. Ask if the Lisles are there, and if not, for their address. Pay for the return message and all charges. But I can tell you the result at once."
"The result? What?"
"You will not find her. She does not intend that you should. With all her beauty and grace and sweetness, she, even she, even Leslie! being a woman, is too worldly wise to marry Yorke Auchester now that he is a duke no longer."
Yorke caught up his hat and laughed hoarsely.
"I'll soon prove you wrong!" he said.
"And if you do not? If you prove that I am right?" asked the duke, looking at him steadily.
Yorke stopped at the door and looked over his shoulder.