"Yes," he replied, "having heard it all, I desire nothing on earth so much as to win your friendship."
"My mother?" she murmured.
"Yes--your mother's unfortunate marriage, and all that came of it. I can repeat the story."
"Oh, no!" she interrupted. "I do not wish to hear it. You know it, and you would still be my friend?"
"Answer me one question," he said, gently. "Is this sad story the result of any fault of yours? Are you in any way to blame for it?"
"No; not in the least. Still, Lord Arleigh, although I do not share the fault, I share the disgrace--nothing can avert that from me."
"Nothing of the kind," he opposed; "disgrace and yourself are as incompatible as pitch and a dove's wing."
"But," she continued, wonderingly, "do you quite understand?"
"Yes; the duchess told me the whole story. I understand it, and am truly grieved for you; I know the duke's share in it and all."
He saw her face grow pale even to the lips.