‘We have already,’ she said, ‘occupied too much of the Chancellor’s valuable time. I wish your ladyship good morning.’
Lord Chester offered his arm.
‘Thank you,’ she said accepting it, ‘as far as the carriage-door only, for the present. I trust, my lord, that before long you will have the right to enter the carriage with me. Meanwhile, believe me, that it is not through my fault that your name is to be made the subject of public discussion. Pending the appeal, let us not betray, by appearing together, any feeling other than that of pure friendship. And I hope,’ viciously addressing Constance, ‘that you, young lady, will observe the same prudence.’
Constance simply bowed and said nothing. The Chancellor rose, shook hands with her ward, and retired.
The Duchess leaned upon the strong arm which led her to her carriage, and kissed her hand in farewell to the young man with so much affection and friendly interest that it was beautiful to behold. After this act of politeness, the young man returned to Constance.
‘Painted——’ he began.
‘Edward, I will not allow it. Silence, sir! We part here for the present.’
‘Constance,’ he whispered, ‘you will not forget—all that I said?’
‘Not one word,’ she replied with troubled brow. ‘But we must meet no more for a while.’