I was never at the Wells before. Dear me! the coach has
turned. How far off shall we hear the bells to say I'm coming? I know I'm
to have bells. Mr. Beamish, Mr. Beamish! I must have a chatter with a
woman, and I'm in awe of you, sir, that I am, but men and men I see to
talk to for a lift of my finger, by the dozen, in my duke's
palace--though they're old ones, that's true--but a woman who's a lady,
and kind enough to be my maid, I haven't met yet since I had the right to
wear a coronet. There, I'll hold Chloe's hand, and that'll do. You would
tell me at once, Chloe, if I was not dressed to your taste; now, wouldn't
you? As for talkative, that's a sign with me of my liking people. I
really don't know what to say to my duke sometimes. I sit and think it so
funny to be having a duke instead of a husband. You're off!'
The duchess laughed at Chloe's laughter. Chloe excused herself, but was
informed by her mistress that it was what she liked.
'For the first two years,' she resumed, 'I could hardly speak a syllable.
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