ight._

Robert came to see me at twelve, and he brought me the loveliest, splendid
diamond and emerald ring, and I danced about like a child with delight
over it. He has the most exquisite sentiment, Robert--every little trifle
has some delicate meaning, and he makes me _feel_ and _feel_.

Each hour we spend together we seem to discover some new bit of us which
is just what the other wants. And he is so deliciously jealous and
masterful and--oh, I love him--so there it is!

I am learning a lot of things, and I am sure there are lots to learn
still.

At half-past one Lady Merrenden came and fetched us in the barouche, and
off we went to Vavasour House, with what different feelings to last
evening!

The pompous servants received us in state, and we all three walked on to
the duke's room.

There he was, still huddled in his chair, but he got up--he is better
to-day.

Lady Merrenden went over and kissed him.

"Dear Torquilstone," she said.

"Morning, Robert," he mumbled, after he had greeted his aunt. "Introduce
me to your fiancee."

And Robert did, with great ceremony.

"Now, I won't call you names any more," I said, and I laughed in his face.
He bent down and kissed my forehead.

"You are a beautiful tiger-cat," he said; "but even a year of you would be
well worth while."

Upon which Robert glared, and I laughed again, and we all went in to
lunch.

He is not so bad, the duke, after all.

CARLTON HOUSE TERRACE,

_December 21st._

Oh, it is three weeks since I wrote, but I have been too busy and too
happy for journals. I have been here ever since, getting my trousseau,
and Veronique is becoming used to the fact that I can have no coronet
on my lingerie.

It is the loveliest thing in the world being engaged to Robert.

He has ways! Well, even if I really were as bad as I suppose I look, I
could never want any one else. He worships me, and lets me order him
about, and then he orders me about, and that makes me have the loveliest
thrills. And if any one even looks at me in the street--which of course
they always do--he flashes blue fire at them, and I feel--oh, I feel, all
the time!

Lady Merrenden continues her sweet kindness to us, and her tact is beyond
words, and now I often do what I used to wish to--that is, touch Robert's
eyelashes with the tips of my fingers.

It is perfectl