Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of Andover turned slowly towards his brother.
"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.
"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.
"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it appears."
Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand and fled incontinent towards him.
"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.
"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"
"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.
"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of earshot.
"Oh, Bob! I take no account of him! But, Tracy, how is it you have come to-day? I thought—"