"It is so long since," he was saying, in a tone of apology; "but really I fear there can be no excuse offered."
"No," replied the duke, in a stern voice, "that is certain—none."
Two days before this two events had happened at the Castle. One was that Lady Estelle received a note from Earle, brief enough in itself, but full of import to her. It simply said:
"I have found her. She is now at home, awaiting your summons. I am thankful not to have failed."
Lady Estelle grew white to the lips as she read those lines. Then she wrote a second letter. It was just as brief, and was addressed to the Earl of Linleigh. It said:
"There is no use in further delay; come to the Castle whenever you like, only give me twelve hour's notice."
Then came a letter which sorely puzzled the duke. It was from the Earl of Linleigh, saying that he should be happy to pay the duke a visit if it were quite convenient, and that he would be at the Castle on Wednesday, when he would have something particular to say to him. The duke read the letter, then passed it over to his wife with a very anxious look.
"He follows his letter, you see; he gives me no time to refuse him. I suppose we can both guess what he wants to see me about."
"I am afraid so," said the duchess, with a sigh. "I am afraid she likes him. If she does, we must look upon the brightest side. Perhaps time has steadied him. Certainly, to be Countess of Linleigh is a great thing, after all."
"The title is right enough," said the duke; "it is the bearer of it whom I neither like nor trust."