CHAPTER XXXV
At the startling declaration the duke swung round and eyed Gage with a glance that seemed capable of penetrating an inch board. Lady Ormstork, surprised for a moment out of her transcendent self-possession, stared aghast at the object of her designs; Ulrica looked half astonished and half relieved; Peckover's mien was one of abject discomfiture; while Quorn's showed grim expectation.
"Not Lord Quorn?" screamed Lady Ormstork incredulously.
"So? Not Lord Quorn?" repeated the duke, prepared to resume the aggressive.
"No, I'm not," Gage declared stoutly. "If I ever was, I've had enough of it. But I never was by rights."
"Not Lord Quorn by rights?" gasped Lady Ormstork.
"Never. At least never no more. So you'll please to consider me out of this little complication."
"This," observed the duke, truculently thoughtful, "is very singular."
"Very," Lady Ormstork agreed. "One would like to have some explanation of such an extraordinary statement."