"He had not the least idea," she declared, "that you were not reasonably well off. He is most interested in hearing about you, and he was delighted to have you accept the allowance he offered you. You will go and see him?"
"Yes, I shall go," I promised. "I scarcely see the use of it, but I will go."
"You must not be foolish," she said softly. "Sir Michael is very rich> and you are his only near relative. Besides, you have had such a lonely time, and it is quite time that you saw a little of the other side of life. Sir Michael is a particular friend of mine, and I promised him that I would talk to you about this. I am most anxious to hear that you get on well together. You can be amiable if you like, you know, and you can be very much the other thing."
"I will try," I assured her, "not to be the other thing." She smiled.
"And tell me all about Braster."
"There is not much to tell," I answered. "I have been hard at work all the time, and I have scarcely seen a soul."
"The woman—Mrs. Smith-Lessing?"
"She left Braster before you. I have not seen her since the evening of the day I saw her last."
She appeared relieved.
"May I ask you a question?" I asked. She nodded. "About Colonel Ray.
Has the Duke forgiven him?"