The old lady and I began to walk along the path that led to the burying-ground.
"I do not know," said I, "whether you have heard of me.

My name is Aycon." "I thought so.

Mr.Aycon, I must tell you that you are very much to blame.
You have led this innocent, though thoughtless, child into most deplorable conduct." ("Well done, little duchess!" said I to myself; but of course I was not going to betray her.) "I deeply regret my thoughtlessness," said I earnestly.

"I would, however, observe that the present position of the duchess is not due to my--shall we say misconduct ?--but to that of her husband.

I did not invite--" "Don't mention her name!" interrupted the Mother Superior in horror.
We had reached the arched gateway; and there appeared standing within it a figure most charmingly inappropriate to a graveyard--the duchess herself, looking as fresh as a daisy, and as happy as a child with a new toy.