"How did you get hold of Marion?"
"Oh, money—just money," said the duke airily but with perfect truthfulness.
Lord Ashcroft frowned; and they were silent again.
The duke, with the same air of content, lighted another cigarette.
Presently Lord Ashcroft said:
"She's very much improved both in looks and intelligence."
The duke sat bolt upright and said quickly and with heat:
"She's nothing of the kind!"
"Oh, yes; she is. You know she is," said Lord Ashcroft firmly. "It's being with her mother."
"It's nothing of the kind!" said the duke, still with heat. It seemed to him absurd to suggest that Pollyooly was superior to his daughter.