noon
`` Give me time , '' would her Grace of Hazlewood say ; `` I shall find just what I want for him -- in time . '' It was a beautiful , pure morning . For many years there had not been so brilliant a season in London ; every one seemed to be enjoying it ; ball succeeded ball ; _ fête _ succeeded _ fête _ . Lord Arleigh had received a note from the Duchess of Hazlewood , asking him if he would call before noon , as she wished to see him . He went at once to Verdun House , and was told that the duchess was engaged , but would see him in a few minutes . Contrary to the usual custom , he was shown into a pretty morning-room , one exclusively used by the duchess -- a small , octagonal room , daintily furnished , which opened on to a small rose-garden , also exclusively kept for the use of the duchess . Into this garden neither friend nor visitor ever ventured ; it was filled with rose-trees , a little fountain played in the midst , and a small trellised arbor was at one side .