He frowned on, fidgeting; then he said with decision:
"Well, the only thing to do is to stop it altogether."
"That would be quite safe," said Pollyooly brightening.
"All right: I'll see to it," said the duke.
Pollyooly left him with her heart at ease.
He frowned over the matter for some time, for it did not seem to him to be quite in the natural order of things that a duke should actually refuse to allow his daughter to learn the piano. But he could find no other way of concealing Pollyooly's damning ignorance of the art of music.
At last therefore he sent for Miss Belthorp and said:
"I—er—have decided that—er—Poll—er—Lady Marion is not to learn the piano."
"Not learn the piano?" said Miss Belthorp in the tone of one afflicted with the last amazement.
"I—er—have never observed the—er—slightest aptitude in her for it," said the duke with perfect truthfulness.