Oh, I will compel him to think of me, even though it be only to curse me!" With hasty step she sped through the glittering apartments, which the liberality of her lover had furnished so magnificently, and descended to the carriage standing ready for her.
"To the Duchess of Norfolk's!" said she to the footman standing at the door of the carriage, as she entered it.
The servant looked at her in astonishment and inquiringly.
"To the Duke of Norfolk; is it not, my lady ?" "No, indeed, to the duchess!" cried she with a frown, as she leaned back on the cushion.
After a short time, the carriage drew up before the palace of the duchess, and with haughty tread and commanding air she passed through the porch.
"Announce me to the duchess immediately," was her order to the lackey who was hurrying to meet her.
"Your name, my lady ?" "Miss Arabella Holland." The servant stepped back, and stared at her in surprise.
"Miss Arabella Holland! and you order me to announce you to the duchess ?" A contemptuous smile played a moment about the thin lips of the beautiful miss.

"I see you know me," said she, "and you wonder a little to see me here.

Wonder as much as you please, good friend; only conduct me immediately to the duchess." "I doubt whether her ladyship receives calls to-day," stammered the servant, hesitatingly.
"Then go and ask; and, that I may learn her answer as soon as possible, I will accompany you." With a commanding air, she motioned to the servant to go before her; and he could not summon up courage to gainsay this proud beauty.
In silence they traversed the suite of stately apartments, and at length stood before a door hung with tapestry.
"I must beg you to wait here a moment, my lady, so that I can announce you to the duchess, who is there in her boudoir." "No, indeed; I will assume that office myself," said Miss Holland, as with strong hand she pushed back the servant and opened the door.
The duchess was sitting at her writing-table, her back turned to the door through which Arabella had entered.

She did not turn round; perhaps she had not heard the door open.

She continued quietly writing.
Miss Arabella Holland with stately step crossed the room, and now stood close to the chair of the duchess.
"Duchess, I would like to speak with you," said she, coolly and calmly.
The duchess uttered a cry and looked up.