“Why not?”
“Because, quite frankly, they don’t ride well enough,” the Duke confided.
“And you think I will?”
“I am working it out logically. You say that your habit is old and threadbare. That means you must have worn it a great deal. I also suspect, because you are going on the stage to earn money, that you are not well off. That means you have had to make the best of poor horses and undoubtedly, as you enjoy riding, you are in consequence a good rider.”
Helga gave a little chuckle of delight and clapped her hands together.
“That is very clever of you – and actually it is true!”
“I thought it would be,” the Duke remarked complacently.
“Do you always work things out in that intricate manner?” Helga asked him.
“I find people interesting,” he replied, “and frankly, Helga, I am intrig
