Virginia entered somewhat unceremoniously, followed by Guy.
Phineas Duge looked at them both in some surprise.
"Uncle," she said, "I met Guy coming away from Coniston Mansions. He was
looking for me, and I have brought him to see you."
Phineas Duge held out his hand, and in obedience to a gesture, the
secretary got up and left the room.
"I am very glad to meet you, sir," he said. "By the by, my niece has
only mentioned your first name."
"I am the Duke of Mowbray," Guy said simply, "and I am very glad indeed
to meet you if you are Virginia's uncle. I think that she treated me
rather badly a week ago, but I am disposed," he added, with a twinkle
in his eyes, "to be forgiving. I want your niece to be my wife, sir."
"Indeed!" Mr. Duge answered a little drily. "I can't say that I am glad
to hear it, as I have only just discovered her myself."
"There is no reason, sir," Guy answered, "why you should lose her."
"You don't even know my uncle's name yet," Virginia said, smiling.
"I am Phineas Duge," Duge answered. "I dare say you have never heard of
me. You see, I don't come often to England."
"Phineas Duge!" Guy gasped. "What, you mean the--?"
"Oh, yes! there is only one of us," Duge answered, smiling.
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