The most important business demands my immediate presence there," gravely replied the young duke.
"Ah, of course! of course! the bride! the duchess! Certainly, my dear duke.

I will not press you further," said the baron, laughing cordially.
Neither of the gentlemen made the slightest allusion to the testimony given by the crown's evidence which had cast so foul and false an aspersion on the character of the duke.
By this time the court-room was nearly emptied.
The duke and the baron walked out together.
The crowd had dispersed from before the court-house.
The duke and the baron shook hands and parted on the sidewalk.
"Give my warm respects to the duchess.

Tell her grace that I shall hope to meet her and present my congratulations in person, on her return from the Continent.

That will be in time for the meeting of Parliament, I presume," said his lordship, as he was about to step into his carriage.
"Thanks, my lord.

Yes, I hope so," answered his grace, as he lifted his hat and turned away.
The baron's carriage drove off to his hotel.
The duke walked rapidly to the inn, where he had ordered his post-chaise to be put up.
He partook of a light luncheon while his horses were being harnessed, and then entered the chaise, attended by his valet, and ordered the coachman to drive as fast as possible, without hurting the horses, to Lone.
He was most anxious to reach the "Arondelle Arms," to see if any telegram from Detective Setter had reached the office for him.
So long as the road ran through the Firwood, and was comparatively smooth and level, the coachman kept his horses at their best speed; but when it entered the mountain pass of the chain running around Loch Lone, he was compelled to drive slowly and carefully.
The sun set before they emerged from the pass, and it was nearly dark when the chaise drew up before the Arondelle Arms.
The duke got out of the chaise, and passed through the little assemblage of villagers who were standing there discussing the verdict of the jury.
He hurried at once to the bar-room to inquire if any letter or telegram had come for him.
"Na, naething o' the sort," replied the landlord, who, seeing the disappointment expressed upon the duke's face, added: "But, under favor, your grace, there's time eneuch yet.