The duchess relaxed some little of her severity.
"He was certainly a very handsome man," she said; "he always made me think of one line in the quaint, old song of 'Allan Water:'
"'And a winning tongue had he.'
"It was impossible to resist him when with him, his daring was so frank, his compliments so graceful and well turned, yet one felt, instinctively, that the truth was not in him. Faithless and debonair. I should not like any one for whom I felt any great esteem to marry Ulric Studleigh, were he thrice an earl."
"Well, I cannot help feeling rather pleased," said the duke. "Perhaps it was a little for his handsome face, but certainly I liked him."
"When is he coming home?" asked the duchess.
"He had sailed for England long before this news could reach him, but it will greet him as soon as he lands. He is expected next week."
There was the sound of the quiet closing of a door. When the duke and duchess looked round Lady Estelle had gone. Then they glanced wistfully at each other.
"She liked him," said the duke.
"I am afraid so," said the duchess. "I half believe that it is for his sake she has remained single. Poor Estelle! Who would have thought it? We shall see how events turn out when he returns to England. They are sure to meet; then we shall see."