The Duchess has gone from us, and we must now make up our minds as to what had better be done.

It is out of the question that Lady Mary should be allowed to consider herself to be engaged, and that the father should be kept in ignorance of her position." She paused for his reply, but as he said nothing, she continued: "Either you must tell the Duke, or she must do so, or I must do so." "I suppose she told you in confidence." "No doubt.

She told it me presuming that I would not betray her; but I shall,--if that be a betrayal.

The Duke must know it.

It will be infinitely better that he should know it through you, or through her, than through me.