I don't really," protested Sonia.
"I'm glad of that," said the Duke.

"It isn't really worth noticing." He drew the envelopes and unused cards into a packet, and handed them to her.
"There!" he said, with a smile.

"That won't be too heavy for you." "Thank you," said Sonia, taking it from him.
"Shall I carry them for you ?" said the Duke.
"No, thank you, your Grace," said Sonia.
With a quick, careless, almost irresponsible movement, he caught her hand, bent down, and kissed it.

A great wave of rosy colour flowed over her face, flooding its whiteness to her hair and throat.

She stood for a moment turned to stone; she put her hand to her heart.