“We will not speak of this again, Olivetta,” Mrs. De Peyster remarked with returning dignity, “but while the matter is up, I will mention that the Duke did propose to me, and that I refused him.”

With a gesture she silenced any comment from Olivetta.  In a breath or two she was entirely her usual poiseful self.  Too many generations had her blood been trained to ways of dignity, and too long had she herself been drilled in composure and self-esteem and in a perfect confidence in the thing that she was, for an invasion of newspaper creatures to disturb her for longer than a few moments.

She was moving with stately tread toward the dining-room when Matilda came hurrying up from the nether regions of the house.  “Did you know, ma’am,” Matilda fluttered eagerly, “that Mr. Jack is home?”

“My son back!” There was vast relief in Mrs. De Peyster’s voice.  “When did he come?”

“A few minutes ago.”

“Did—­did he say anything?”

“I haven’t seen him, ma’am.  He came in the back way, through the stable.  William told me about it.”

Mrs. De Peyster’s voice became composed, severe.  “I shall see what he has to say for himself.”  Majestically, somewhat ominously, she turned and began to mount the stairs, followed by Olivetta and Matilda.  But as she passed the library’s closed door, she heard Miss Gardner’s voice and a second voice—­and the second voice was the voice of a man.

Startled, she paused.  She caught a few fragments of phrases.  Indignation surged up within her.  Resolutely she stepped to the door; but by instinct she was no eavesdropper, and she would not come upon people in compromising attitudes without giving them fair warning.  So she knocked, waited a moment—­then opened the door and entered.

CHAPTER II

ENTER AN AMIABLE YOUNG GENTLEMAN

Half an hour earlier, across in Washington Square, a young gentleman was sauntering about taking the crisp May air.  He was fashionably but quietly dressed, and in his chamois-gloved hand he swung a jaunty wand of a cane; a slender, lithe young gentleman, with a keen face that had an oddly wide but yet attractive mouth:  a young man emanating an essence of lightness both of body and of spirit.  He might have been the very person of agreeable, irresponsible Spring, if Spring is ever of the male gender, out for a promenade.

It seemed most casual, the saunter of this pleasant idler; the keenest observer would never have guessed purpose in his stroll.  But never for longer than an instant were the frank gray eyes of this young gentleman away from the splendid stone steps, with their carved balustrade, and the fine old doorway of Mrs. De Peyster’s house at No. 13 Washington Square.

Presently he noted three men turn up Mrs. De Peyster’s steps.  Swiftly, but without noticeable haste, he was across the street.  The trio had no more than touched the bell when he was beside them.