There was a little throb in her voice as if she was not far from tears and the Duke said quickly,
“I do not want your gratitude.”
“Why did you – do it?” Selina asked.
The Duke hesitated for a moment before he answered,
“Shall we say that because I am English I could not allow a fellow-countrywoman to be treated in such a manner?”
He smiled.
“We were both lucky – very lucky to get away as we did.”
“It was only because you were so – clever and so – brave,” Selina said, “and you – knocked that man – down in the – alley – ”
“Forget it!” the Duke interrupted. “Forget everything that happened last night! All I want you to tell me is who you are and how you ever allowed yourself to be trapped into such a dreadful situation.”
She did not speak and after a moment he continued,
“I am sure
