On the morning that she went way, the duchess sent for her to her room. She told her all that she intended doing as regarded the elaborate and magnificent trousseau preparing for her. Madaline was overwhelmed.
"You are too good to me," she said--"you spoil me. How am I to thank you?"
"Your wedding-dress--plain, simple, but rich, to suit the occasion--will be sent to St. Mildred's," said the duchess--"also a handsome traveling costume; but all the rest of the packages can be sent to Beechgrove. You will need them only there."
Madaline kissed the hand extended to her.
"I shall never know how to thank you," she said.
A peculiar smile came over the darkly-beautiful face.
"I think you will," returned the duchess "I can imagine what blessings you will some day invoke on my name."
Then she withdrew her hand suddenly from the touch of the pure sweet lips.
"Good-by, Madaline," she said; and it was long before the young girl saw the fair face of the duchess again.
Just as she was quitting the room Philippa placed a packet in her hand.