Then, in the last moment, the duke is killed in a duel, and the news is brought to the girl by Esmond.

She turns upon him and rebukes him harshly.

Then she moves away, and feels in a moment that there is nothing left for her in this world, and that she can only throw herself upon devotion for consolation.

"I am best in my own room and by myself," she said.

Her eyes were quite dry, nor did Esmond ever see them otherwise, save once, in respect of that grief.