"I cannot imagine why men
who have beautiful young wives go yachting. It seems to me a terrible
mistake."
Lord Arleigh laughed.
"The duke's yachting has very little to do with this matter," he said.
"Lady Peters, before you listen to the duchess, let me make one appeal
to you. With all my heart I beseech you to grant the favor that she will
ask."
He bent his handsome head, and kissed her hand, while emotion rose to
the lady's eyes.
"Is it something for you, Lord Arleigh?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied, "for my own unworthy self."
"Then I will do it if possible," she replied.
But when the Duchess of Hazlewood had told her what was needed, and had
placed the whole matter before her, Lady Peters looked shocked.
"My dear Philippa," she said, "this is terrible. I could not have
believed it. She is a lovely, graceful, pure-minded girl, I know; but
such a marriage for an Arleigh! I cannot believe it."
"That is unfortunate," said her grace, dryly, "for he seems very much in
earnest."
"No money, no rank, no connections, while he is one of the finest
matches in England."
"She is his ideal," was the mocking reply.
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