But she denied the need, and here I was inclined to credit her.

For with me, as with Gustave de Berensac before the shadow of Lady Cynthia came between, she was, most distinctly, a "good comrade." Sentiment made no appearance in our conversation, and, as the day ruthlessly wore on, I regretted honestly that I must go in deference to a conventionality which seemed, in this case at least--Heaven forbid that I should indulge in general theories--to mask no reality.

Yet she was delightful by virtue of the vitality in her; and the woods echoed again and again with our laughter.
At four o'clock we returned sadly to the house, where the merry girls busied themselves in preparing a repast for me.

The duchess insisted on sharing my meal.
"I shall go supperless to bed to-night," said she; and we sat down glum as two children going back to school.
Suddenly there was a commotion outside; the girls were talking to one another in rapid eager tones.

The duchess raised her head, listening.