"The papers of to-day! How is it possible you are so fortunate as to get the papers of to-day at so early an hour, at so remote a point?" inquired the duke, probably only to hold her in conversation.
"Mr. Clarence Rockharrt's servant takes them from the earliest mail and starts with them for Rockhold. Mr. Rockharrt usually reads the morning papers here before his breakfast."
"A wonderful conquest over time and space are our modern locomotives," observed the duke.
Cora assented, and then said:
"Pray use the full freedom of the house and grounds; of the servants also, and the horses and carriages. Mr. Rockharrt places them all at your disposal. But please excuse me, for I have an engagement which will occupy me nearly all day."
The duke looked disappointed, but bowed gravely and answered:
"Of course; pray do not let me be a hindrance to your more important occupations, Mrs. Rothsay."
"Thank you!" she answered, a little vaguely, and with a smile she left the room,
"Rejoicing to be free!"
The duke anathematized his fate in finding so much difficulty in the way of his wooing, his ladylove evading him with a grace, a coolness, and a courtesy which he was constrained to respect.