Then she said, in gentle tones: "I am glad, Sampson, that the duke thinks it safe to give you an opportunity of retrieving your character." "That for his character!" said the duke, snapping his fingers.

"I want him to help when Mme.

and Mlle.

Delhasse are here." On the words the duchess went red in the face, and then white, and sprang up, declaring aloud in resolute, angry tones, that witnessed the depth of her feelings in the matter: "I will not receive Mlle.

Delhasse!" I was glad I had not missed that: it was a new aspect of my little friend the duchess.