have always been."

She dropped her voice a little.

"You puzzle me," she said, softly. "Do you mean that it was your sense of
duty which was awakened?"

"No, I do not mean that," he answered. "Forgive me--but I cannot tell you
what I do mean. Circumstances brought me here against my will."

"You talk like a slave," she said, lightly enough. She, too, was brave.
She drank wine to keep the colour in her cheeks, and she told herself
that the pain at her heart was nothing. Nevertheless, some words of
Borrowdean's were mocking her all the while.

"We are all slaves," he answered. "The folly of it all is when we stop to
think. Then we realize it."

Their conversation was like a strangled thing. Neither made any serious
effort to re-establish it. It was a great dinner party, chiefly
political, and long drawn out. Afterwards came a reception, and Mannering
was at once surrounded. It was nearly midnight when by chance they came
face to face again. She touched him with her fan, and leaned aside from
the little group by whom she was surrounded.

"Are you very much occupied, Mr. Mannering," she asked, lightly, "or
could you spare me a moment?"

He stopped short. Whatever surprise he may have felt he concealed.

"I am entirely at your service, Duchess," he answered. "Mr. Harrison will
excuse me, I am sure," he added, turning to his companion.

She rested her fingers upon his arm. The house belonged to a relative of
hers, and she knew where to find a quiet spot. When they were alone she
did not hesitate for a moment.

"Lawrence," she said, quietly, "will you imagine for a moment that we are
back again at Blakely?"

"I would to God we were!" he answered, impulsively. "That is--if you wish
it too!"

She did not answer at once. The sudden abnegation of his reserve took her
by surprise. She had to readjust her words.

"At least," she said, "there are many things about Blakely which I regret
all the time. You know, of course, the chief one, our own altered selves.
I know, Lawrence, that I need to ask your forgiveness. I came there under
an assumed name, and I will admit that my coming was part of a scheme
between Ronalds, Rochester and myself. Well, I am ready to ask your
forgiveness for that. I don't think you ought to refuse it me. It doesn't
alter anything that happened. It doesn't even affect it. You must believe
that!"

"I believe it, if you tell me so," he answered.

"I do tell you," she declared. "I can explai