Nothing could be more kind, or proposed in a sweeter fashion.

There had, however, been present to the Duke's mind as he read it a feeling that a proposition to a bereaved husband to relieve him of the society of an only daughter, was not one which would usually be made to a father.

In such a position a child's company would probably be his best solace.

But he knew,--at this moment he painfully remembered,--that he was not as are other men.

He acknowledged the truth of this, but he was not the less grieved and irritated by the reminder.