"So very kind of you to come, Lionel," said the Duchess, pressing his hand cordially. "I know how busy you are with your parishioners."
"You are one of them," smiled the clergyman.
"At odd moments, certainly; but we globe-trot for our places of worship nowadays. Sit down;" she indicated a convenient chair opposite her own. "Now tell me the news of your small world. Is Joan quite well?"
"Could not be better, considering the circumstances."
"I am so glad; when do you expect the happy event?"
"In a month, please God."
Leah looked pensively into the fire. "I hope it will be a boy."
"I shall be more than content with a girl. Why a boy particularly?"
"Why not, when an heir is so important? You succeed Jim, and a new Marquis of Frith----"
"My dear Duchess, you and the Duke are young. There is little chance of my succeeding. I may be congratulating you some day."