"If I can I will arrange about it. I was so provoked about not getting away, now I am glad."
"Yes, I am Margaret's sister."
"You say she is not coming?"
"She offered and I declined. Where was the use of a long journey? I am going north afterwards."
"And you are to write to me?"
"If Paul is not jealous," and she laughed.
Then he said good-bye.
That evening Lady Lyons sat worrying herself a good deal about everything in general, and this impending difficulty in particular, when a note to Grace was brought in. It was from the Duchess.
"Dear Miss Rivers,
"My nephew says that, owing to your sister's absence, you would like to be befriended a little on your wedding-day. The Duke begs me to say that he will give you away with pleasure, and, as Lady Lyons is the young man's mother, I will call and take you to church.
"How wise you are to have no bridesmaids or breakfast. I wish other girls were as sensible. Believe me, dear Miss Rivers,
"Yours truly,
"Katherine Mallington."
Grace gave the note to Lady Lyons without comment.