And he when he left the house did not think that he would find himself called upon to allude to the subject.
But when Lady Cantrip made some inquiry about the girl and her habits,--asking what were her ordinary occupations, how she was accustomed to pass her hours, to what she chiefly devoted herself,--then at last with much difficulty the Duke did bring himself to tell the story.

"Perhaps it is better you should know it all," he said as he told it.
"Poor girl! Yes, Duke; upon the whole it is better that I should know it all," said Lady Cantrip.

"Of course he will not come here." "Oh dear; I hope not." "Nor to The Horns." "I hope he will never see her again anywhere," said the Duke.
"Poor girl!" "Have I not been right?
Is it not best to put an end to such a thing at once ?" "Certainly at once, if it has to be put an end to,--and can be put an end to." "It must be put an end to," said the Duke, very decidedly.

"Do you not see that it must be so?
Who is Mr.Tregear ?" "I suppose they were allowed to be together." "He was unfortunately intimate with Silverbridge, who took him over to Italy.

He has nothing; not even a profession." Lady Cantrip could not but smile when she remembered the immense wealth of the man who was speaking to her;--and the Duke saw the smile and understood it.
"You will understand what I mean, Lady Cantrip.