Will you not join us yourself, Countess, and Miss Skeat ?" "Really, Duke, you are very kind.

But I was not thinking of going home just yet." "It is a long time since you have been there.

Not since--" "Yes, I know," said Margaret gravely.

"And perhaps that is why I hesitate to go now." "But would it not be different if we all went together?
Do you not think it would be much nicer ?" "Did you say your sister was going ?" "Oh yes, she will certainly go." "Well," said the Countess after a moment's thought, "I will not say just yet.

I need not make up my mind yet; need I?
Then I will take a few days to think of it." "I am sure you will decide to join us," said the Duke pressingly.
"Perhaps I ought to go, and it is so kind of you, really, to give me such a delightful chance." She had a presentiment that before long she would he on her way to join the yacht, though at first sight it seemed rather improbable, for, as Claudius had guessed, she had a great many engagements for visits.