It was just that sort of double-handedness that the Duke most hated of all things in the earth.
Moreover, he knew his sister never exaggerated, and that what she had told him was of necessity perfectly true.
Woe to Mr.Silas B.Barker junior if he came in the Duke's way that evening! "I suppose he is coming to dinner ?" said the Duke after a pause, during which his anger had settled into a comfortable ferocity.
"No," said Lady Victoria; "he sent some flowers and a note of regret." "Well--I am glad of that.

Would you like to go for a drive, Vick ?" "Yes, of all things.

I have not been here since I was married"-- which was about eighteen months, but she had already caught that matronly phrase--"and I want to see what they have been doing to the Park." "All right.

We'll take Claudius, if he is anywhere about the place." "Of course," said Lady Victoria.

And so the brother and sister prepared to soothe their ruffled feelings by making much of the man who was "a gentleman." But they were right, for Claudius was all they thought him, and a great deal more too, as they discovered in the sequel.
Having driven in the Park, the Duke insisting that Claudius should sit in the place of honour with Lady Victoria, and having criticised to their satisfaction the few equipages they met--for it was too early for New York--they went back to their hotel, and dispersed to dress for dinner.