Nevertheless, during the succeeding fortnight he devoted himself sedulously to Margaret’s amusement, and many were the things that he and she and Lady Victoria, and the incomparable Miss Skeat, who always enjoyed everything, planned and carried out together.  Margaret did not shun society or shut herself up, and more than once she saw Barker in the street and in the crowds at parties.  The houses in America are so small that parties are always crowded.  But he had the good sense to avoid her, and she was not troubled by any communication from him.  Clementine, indeed, wondered that so few flowers came, for a day or two, and old Vladimir pondered on the probable fate of Mr. Barker, who, he supposed, had been sent to Canada in chains for some political offence, seeing that he called no longer.  But these faithful servitors could not ask questions, and sources of information they had none.  Barker, however, as Margaret had anticipated, had been active in spreading the news of her engagement; for, before very long, callers were plenty, and flowers too, and many were the congratulations that poured in.  Then she saw the wisdom of having informed the Duke of her position before any officious acquaintance could do it for her.  The Duke, indeed, saw very few people in New York, for he hated to be “entertained,” but he knew a great many men slightly, and some one of them would probably have obliged him with the information.

One morning as he and the Countess were about to drive up to the Park for their daily ride, which had become an institution, the servant presented a card, saying the gentleman was anxious to see her ladyship at once, if possible.  The card was that of Mr. Screw, of Screw and Scratch.

“Very well,” said the Countess, who was pulling on her gloves, and holding her riding-stick under one arm as she did so.  “Ask him to come up.”  The Duke moved to withdraw.

“Don’t go, please,” said Margaret; and so he remained.  A moment later Mr. Screw’s yellow head and small eyes appeared at the door.

“The Countess Margaret?” he inquired deferentially.

“Yes.  Mr. Screw, I believe?”

“The same, Madam.  A—­pardon me, but—­I desired to speak with you alone,” stammered the lawyer, seeing that the Duke did not move.

“I have asked the—­this gentleman, who is my friend, to remain,” said Margaret calmly.  “You may speak freely.  What is your business with me, sir?” She motioned him to a chair, and he sat down opposite her, hat in hand.  He would have liked to hook his legs into each other and put his hands into his pockets, but he was too well bred for that.  At last he took courage.

“Frankly, Madam, I have come to discharge a moral duty, and I will speak plainly.  I am informed on credible authority that you are engaged to marry a gentleman, calling himself Dr. Claudius—­a—­a tall man—­fair beard?”

“Your information is correct, Mr. Screw,” said Margaret haughtily, “I am engaged to be married to Dr. Claudius.”