“I will call tomorrow, Your Grace,” he said. “In the meantime may I wish you a very pleasant evening with the delectable Yvette? I will leave her address with Mr. Beaumont.”
Philippe Dubucheron’s hand was actually on the door handle when the Duke, who was still gazing at the picture on the sofa, said,
“Wait!”
The Frenchman stopped and turned his head tentatively.
“I have an idea,” the Duke said. “Why should I meet Mademoiselle Yvette in this informal manner without an introduction?”
“Introduction, Your Grace?” Dubucheron asked in a puzzled voice.
“It is just a suggestion,” the Duke said, “but why do you not dine with me, Dubucheron, and Thoreau’s daughter could make up the foursome.”
The Duke’s lips twisted in a smile as he added,
“I can then, while both ladies are with me, make my
