"I do, Sir Nicholas—I never meant to speak of it, but one day Her Grace came to see you and you were out and she caught sight of Miss Sharp through the half open door—and she jumped like a cat, Her Grace did, 'Halthee'—she cried out—or some name like that,—and Miss Sharp started up and went down the stairs with her—She seemed to be kind of explaining, and I am not sure that Her Grace was too pleased—."
(Burton thinks all Duchesses should be called "Grace" whether they are French or English.)
"Then we should certainly be able to find out from the Duchesse—."
"Well, I would not be so sure of that Sir Nicholas—You see the Duchesse is a very kind lady, but she is a lady of the world, and she may have her reasons."
"Then what do you suggest, Burton?"
"Why, I hardly know—perhaps to wait and see, Sir Nicholas."
"Masterly inactivity!"
"It might be that I could do a bit of finding out if I felt sure no harm could come of it."
I was not quite certain what Burton meant by this—What possible harm could come of it?
"Find out all you can and let me know—."