ought up not to receive
orders from what she called "A Lady of Title," with humble gratitude,
and execute them with vigour and despatch; and already she was hard at
work making linen overalls for the Lump. But at half-past three, just
as Miss Belthorp had left them to write letters and they had started
for the home wood, the obedient Emily came hurrying along the garden to
say that the duke wished Pollyooly to put on her prettiest clothes and
come with him to pay a call.

Pollyooly frowned deeply at the thought that had not Miss Belthorp
lingered with them, they would by now have been safely hidden in some
recess of the wood. For the moment she almost wished that the Lump
were not so attractive. But very soon she was serene again. After all
it was a pleasant thing to be prettily dressed and ride in a motor car;
and there was always the exciting anticipation that the cakes at tea
would not only be delicious but quite uncommon.

She dressed therefore in a complete serenity and gave Emily Gibbs
careful and exact instructions about the care of the Lump during her
absence. Then a footman came up to say that the car was ready; and she
went down the stairs comfortably assured that she was looking her
prettiest. She saw that the duke looked pleased at the sight of her;
his face grew quite bright.

He put her into the tonneau of the car and stepped in after her. It
was not the first time they had been alone together, but for the moment
she felt somewhat oppressed. But he at once began to instruct her in
the manners and deportment in vogue at garden parties; and presently
she was talking to him with the most amiable affability.

Three-quarters of an hour's drive brought them to Ilkeston Towers,
their destination; and when Pollyooly and the duke, coming on to the
lawn, which was set with groups of brightly dressed, shrilly chattering
people, were loudly announced by a strong-lunged butler, there was a
sudden hush and a general, quickly checked movement toward them. Then
Lady Ilkeston greeted them; and the duke said to her in a somewhat loud
voice:

"It's rather dull going about alone, so I brought Marion with me."

"But how nice!" said Lady Ilkeston; and she welcomed Pollyooly warmly.

There was by no means an immediate rush to make Pollyooly's
acquaintance; but for half an hour Lady Ilkeston found herself busy
introducing to her people who were firmly resolved to make her
acquaintance, since she was, so to speak,