Page 27 (1/1)

"You ," his companion declared impulsively, "that I never knew ten years make such a difference in a man in my life"

"The colonies," Dominey pronounced, "are a kill or cure sort of business You either take your drubbing and coo under I had the very narrowest escape froether in time To-day I wouldn't have been withoutin the world"

"If you will peran said, with an inherited po under the new conditions, I should like to offer you ratulations, not only upon what you have accomplished but upon what you have beco a little seriously and with a curious glint in his eyes, "upon what I may yet accomplish"

The Duchess and her companion had risen to their feet, and the forraciously

"How do you do, Mr Mangan?" she said "I hope you are looking after those troublesome tenants of mine in Leicestershire?"

"We shall an assured her "Will you per back to your memory a relative who has just returned from abroad--Sir Everard Dominey?"

Dominey had risen to his feet a moment previously and now extended his hand The Duchess, as a tall, graceful woray, very fine brown eyes, the coirl, and, to quite her own confession, the manners of a kitchen maid, stared at him for a moment without any response

"Sir Everard Dominey?" she repeated "Everard? Ridiculous!"

Dominey's extended hand was at once withdrawn, and the tentative sed into the breach

"I can assure your Grace," he insisted earnestly, "that there is no doubt whatever about Sir Everard's identity He only returned fro the last few days"

The Duchess's incredulity reood-natured but ministered to by her natural obstinacy

"I si e you When did we meet last?"

"At Worcester House," was the proood-bye to you"

The Duchess was a little staggered Her eyes softened, a faint smile played at the corners of her lips She was suddenly a very attractive looking woman