"
The duke and I are great friends. He has ferreted out about mamma's
mother, and it appears she was a Venetian music-mistress of the name of
Tonquini, or something like that, who taught Lord de Brandreth's
sisters--so perhaps Lady Ver was right after all, and far, far back in
some other life I was the friend of a Doge.
Poor, dear Lady Ver! She has taken it very well after the first spiteful
letter, and now I don't think there is even a tear at the corner of her
eye.
Lady Merrenden says it is just the time of the year when she usually gets
a new one, so perhaps she has now, and so that is all right.
The diamond serpent she has given me has emerald eyes--and such a pointed
tongue.
"It is like you, snake-girl," she said; "so wear it at your wedding."
The three angels are to be my only bridesmaids.
Robert loads me with gifts, and the duke is going to let me wear all the
Torquilstone jewels when I am married, besides the emeralds he has given
me himself. I really love him.
Christopher sent me this characteristic note with the earrings which are
his gift, great big emeralds set with diamonds:
"So sorry I shall not see you on the happy day, but Paris,
I am fortunate enough to discover, still has joys for me.
"C. C.
"Wear them; they will match your eyes.
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