"
Lucille was a little bored.
"The Society," she said, "is an admirable one enough, but just now
I am beginning to feel it a little exacting. I think that the
Prince expects a good deal of one. I shall certainly ask for my
release to-night."
The Duchess looked doubtful.
"Release!" she repeated. "Come, is that not rather an exaggerated
expression? I trust that your stay at Dorset House has not in any
way suggested an imprisonment."
"On the contrary," Lucille answered; "you and the Duke have been
most kind. But you must remember that I have home of my own--and
a husband of my own."
"I have no doubt," the Duchess said, "that you will be able to
return to them some day. But you must not be impatient. I do not
think that the Prince has given up all hopes of Reginald Brott yet."
Lucille was silent. So her emancipation was to be postponed. After
all, it was what she had feared. She sat watching idly the Duchess's
knitting needles. Lady Carey came sweeping in, wonderful in a black
velvet gown and a display of jewels almost barbaric.
"On my way to the opera," she announced. "The Maddersons sent me
their box. Will any of you good people come? What do you say,
Lucille?"
Lucille shook her head.
"My toilette is deficient," she said; "and besides, I am staying
at home to see the Prince.
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