There was silence and then Ula said in a very small voice?
“But – what is to – become of me – when I am no longer of any – use to his Lordship?”
“I have been thinking about that,” the Duchess replied, “and I intend to ask him if you will come and live with me. You may find it rather dull, but I am sure, even if you are not living at Raventhorpe House, a great many of your admirers will call on us in Hampstead.”
Ula gave a cry of delight.
“Do you really mean that? Are you quite – sure you want me? You are not just being – kind?”
“I would love to have you,” the Duchess replied, “but I have a feeling that long before that you will be married.”
Ula shook her head and the Duchess said firmly,
“Of course you will! In fact I shall consider it an insult if, having produced, with the help of
