CHAPTER XV.
The Duke Receives a Letter,--and Writes One The Duke, when he received Mrs.Finn's note, demanding an interview, thought much upon the matter before he replied.

She had made her demand as though the Duke had been no more than any other gentleman, almost as though she had a right to call upon him to wait upon her.
He understood and admired the courage of this;--but nevertheless he would not go to her.

He had trusted her with that which of all things was the most sacred to him, and she had deceived him! He wrote to her as follows: The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mrs.Finn.
As the Duke thinks that no good could result either to Mrs.Finn or to himself from an interview, he is obliged to say that he would rather not do as Mrs.Finn has requested.
But for the strength of this conviction the Duke would have waited upon Mrs.Finn most willingly.
Mrs.Finn when she received this was not surprised.

She had felt sure that such would be the nature of the Duke's answer; but she was also sure that if such an answer did come she would not let the matter rest.

The accusation was so bitter to her that she would spare nothing in defending herself,--nothing in labour and nothing in time.
She would make him know that she was in earnest.