The duke peered up at her from under his brows.
"I want to speak to you," she said, her breath coming and going quickly.
He motioned to Grey to withdraw out of hearing, and struggling to keep her voice steady, Leslie went on:
"I want to thank you—but, oh, why did you do it? I know—you know that it—it is not worth it—why?"
The duke smiled.
"Do not distress yourself, Miss Lisle," he said, gently. "You refer to my purchase of your father's picture?"
"Yes!" she said, in a troubled voice. "It was kind of you, and it has given him, oh! you cannot tell what pleasure."
"Yes, I think I can. It is not the money."
"No."