Behind appeared a tall figure in black. Everybody in the room advanced, including Lady Henry, who, however, after a few steps stood still behind the others, leaning on her stick.
Julie looked round the little circle, then at the Duke of Crowborough, who had gravely given her his hand. The suppressed excitement already in the room clearly communicated itself to her. She did not lose her self-command for an instant, but her face pleaded.
"Is it really true? Perhaps there is some mistake?"
"I fear there can be none," said the Duke, sadly. "Poor Chudleigh had been long dead when they found him."
"Freddie," said the Duchess, interrupting, "I have told Greswell we shall want the carriage at half-past nine for Euston. Will that do?"
"Perfectly."
Greswell, the handsome groom of the chambers, approached Julie.
"Your grace's maid wishes to know whether it is your grace's wish that she should go round to Heribert Street before taking the luggage to Euston?"
Julie looked at the man, bewildered. Then a stormy color rushed into her cheeks.
"Does he mean my maid?" she said to the Duke, piteously.