"Take my blessing," said Titania. "Go to her quickly, poor dear, and implore her to let me come to her, and bid her tell all the world. What is her address?"
"I cannot give it," said Rivaulx, pallidly. "It is a secret. But I go, I hasten. Adieu, duchess; I am distracted. Oh, my mother and my country!"
He fled from the room, and, leaving his man to bring on his things, went away at an illegal speed toward London.
"Well, well," said Titania, with a gasp, "I cannot understand anything. But, after all, the marquis is a fine man and of a good family. I could almost sleep a little."
But just as she was composing herself to rest, Mr. Plant sent up word that he wished to see her for a few moments on urgent business before he went back to town.
"Let him come up," said the duchess. When Plant entered, he stood bolt upright in front of her, with a strange air of determination.
"I shall surprise you, I reckon," he said, in an American accent as thick as petrol fumes. "I know I shall."
"No, you won't," said Titania. "Nothing can surprise me now, I assure you."
"I shall surprise you, ma'am," said Plant, "and you'll have to own it. Prepare yourself and remember that what I tell you is in the nature of a secret. I can stand it no longer. I have to let it out. To hear Lady Penelope, whom I adore, spoken of as I do, makes my blood boil. She may have made some mistakes, but I've made some, too. I am going to surprise you—"
"No, you are not, Mr. Plant," said Titania.