He said, again with enthusiasm:
"I do like this lawn. I first kissed you under that old tree."
The duchess started to leave the lawn with some speed.
The duke kept pace with her.
Half-way across the lawn he said in an affectionate tone:
"There's no need for you to fret about Marion, old girl. You can arrange it just as you like."
Then deftly, he slipped his arm round her waist.
"How dare you, Archie?" she cried, and made to thrust him away with some vigour.
It was not enough vigour. The duke's arm did not slip; indeed he tightened his clasp as he said:
"I could do much better with a complete family—a wife and a daughter."