"But if she were Duchess of Lorringham?"
My companion shook her head.
"The jewels are a very solemn family trust," she told me. "I believe I am right in saying that they cannot be taken out of the United Kingdom. One of the famous tiaras was stolen about a hundred years ago in London, and the deed of trust was amended then. I suppose it is quite all right," she went on meditatively, "but in a way it seems a cruel thing to keep jewels of such value practically hidden."
We gave our little entertainment that evening, after which a great pianist who had travelled down from London gave a recital, Faraday made more magic, and a girl, who was one of the house party, danced. All the time our host never left the Princess's side. There was no doubt at all but that he was deeply in love with her. She, for her part, won all hearts. She was gracious and charming to every one. She seemed, indeed, to the Duke's delight, to almost assume at times the position of gracious chatelaine. A thought came to me during the evening and I sought out young Formby, with whom Leonard and I had become quite intimate. I found him with some of the younger spirits in the billiard room. I drew him on one side whilst he was waiting to play his shot at pool.
"Formby," I said, "I don't want to seem impertinent but I should like to ask you a question."
"Go ahead," the young man invited.
"Is the Duke a rich man?" I asked.
Formby looked at me in astonishment.
"What on earth makes you ask a question like that?" he demanded curiously.
"Well, I really haven't any reason," I hastened to assure him. "I just wondered, that's all."