Ralph Duncombe took up the packet.
"The Duke of Rothbury!" he said aloud.
Lucy opened her eyes.
"You may open it," said Leslie in a low voice. "It is of value—great value, I believe. If it had not been I would have sent it by post. Yes, open it."
Ralph Duncombe opened the packet and stared amazed.
"It is of great value," he said gravely; "and—and I am to give it to the Duke of Rothbury?"
"Yes," said Leslie, her lips quivering. The sight of the sorrow which she was trying to hide stirred him past repression.
"He gave you this?" he said.
"Yes, but—but do not ask me any questions, please," she faltered.
Her color came and went.