"I do, your grace. I am charged with a simple mission. Miss Lisle bids me return this to your grace," and he held out the packet.
The duke took it and opened it, and gazed at the pendant as it flashed in the palm of his hand.
"She told you to return it to me? I did not give——." He stopped.
"I was to return it to the Duke of Rothbury," said Ralph, rather sternly.
"To—the—Duke of Rothbury; yes, yes," said the duke in a low voice, and the color deepened in his face. "You have come from Miss Lisle? You know where she is; may I ask her address?"
"I cannot give it to your grace," said Ralph.
The duke flashed his eyes—they glittered in their dark rings—then he let them fall, and sighed.
"I understand. At least you will tell me whether she is well and—and happy?"
Ralph Duncombe's wrath smouldered.
"She is well now, and I trust happy," he said.