"By this time to-morrow Lapraik shall be a free man," the duke answered, holding the extended hand in his.
"Thank you," she said, and another silence fell between them as they stood thus, nearer together, dominated by magnetic attraction so strong that a full minute passed unnoted by either.
"It is my turn to ask favors," the duke said headily. "The rose in your breast."
"Shall I fasten it on your coat?" she asked.
So for a moment more they stood almost touching each other, his breath moving the curls of her hair as she reached toward him.
"Good night," he said, extending his hand again.
"Good night," she said, putting hers into it.
"You have your people with you?"
"Yes."
"It is better then I should not come down?"