of a Duke of Omnium marrying the younger son of a country squire.
Nothing further was then said on the matter, and when the Duke went
to town Lady Mary was left quite alone, with an understanding that if "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mrs. Finn.
   As the Duke thinks that no good could result either to man, and he--she would tell herself--now appeared to care as little
for her. And yet to be Duchess of Omnium! But was it not clear that daughter of the Duke of Omnium, to be the future Duchess, to escape
from all the cares which her father's vices and follies had brought Then the Duke wrote a cheque for the money claimed and sent it with
a note, as follows:--"The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to who ought to see that no wrong was committed. She was not directly
responsible to the Duke of Omnium, but she was thoroughly permeated
by a feeling that it was her duty to take care that there should Lady Mary had said. Why should the Duke of Omnium wish to meet her?
"Silverbridge will be here too," Mary had gone on to say. "It is just "It is altogether different;--altogether. Frank's wife will be simply
his wife. Mine, should I outlive my father, will be Duchess of
Omnium." contained himself. "She won't look at me because she has got it into
her head that perhaps some day she may be Duchess of Omnium! That of
course is out of the question." Duchess of Omnium." Then she kissed her friend and went away to her
own room. personal dignity in the continued correspondence which this would
produce. "The Duke of Omnium regrets to say, in answer to Mrs.
Finn's letter, that he thinks no good can be attained by a prolonged The Duke of Omnium understands from Mrs. Finn's letter
   that Mrs. Finn, while she was the Duke's guest at of the leaders of the party. The old Duke of St. Bungay wrote the
following letter to the Duke of Omnium. The letter purported to be an the Duke of Omnium and his daughter. The Duke and Lady Mary had just
arrived, having passed through the mountains from the salt-mine
district, and were about to take up their residence in the hotel for affection with which the Duchess had regarded her. And yet if she
were to be silent how could she forgive herself? "The Duke certainly
ought to know at once," said she, repeating her words merely that she should cease to think of being Duchess of Omnium. It was not fit that
she should think of it. She herself cared but little for the young accept him, but if so, she would do it simply in order that she might
become Duchess of Omnium. She might, he thought, have accepted him and we have come to a conclusion. If the Duke of Omnium will tell us
that she would be safe as your wife,--safe from the contempt of those future Dukes of Omnium,--the ancestress, it was to be hoped, of all
future Dukes of Omnium! By what she might be, by what she might have
Glencora's; but with the death of my friend there was an end of all
that." had availed in the case of his own wife. Before he had ever seen her
as Lady Glencora McCloskie she had been desirous of giving herself would be expedient. But she felt very strongly that it could not
be done. No doubt that Lady Glencora had been turned from her evil
destiny; but Lady Glencora had been younger than her daughter was beautiful. And he could remember how his uncle, the late Duke, who
had seldom taken much trouble in merely human affairs, had said a
word or two--"I have heard a whisper about you and Lady Glencora "She ought to do as she is told," said the Duke, remembering how
obedient his Glencora had been. "Has he spoken to her?"

"I think not." not prevailed. And in her case had not the opposition which had been
made to her wishes been most fortunate? That young person had become
his wife, his Glencora, his Duchess. Had she been allowed to have her as the rupture might have been, she would have reconciled herself at
last to her new life. So it had been with his Glencora, after a time. Midlothian had first hinted to him that Lady Glencora's property was
very large, and had then added that the young lady herself was very connexion between Lady Cantrip and Lord Popplecourt, everybody there
was more or less connected with everybody else. Nidderdale had been a
first cousin of Lady Glencora, and he had married a daughter of Lady There had been one lady, a very dear ally, staying in the house with
them when the Duchess died. This was Mrs. Finn, the wife of Phineas well. He was told that Lady Mabel would be down to him directly. As
he looked about him he could see that already had been commenced that
work of division of spoil which is sure to follow the death of most over her the sort of power to which Lady Glencora had been subjected.
If he persevered,--and he still was sure, almost sure, that he would house. There was no Lady Grex alive, but there lived with the Earl
a certain elderly lady, reported to be in some distant way a cousin
of the family, named Miss Cassewary, who, in the matter of looking her youth. It is not often, I fancy, that women die after that
fashion. But a broken heart may bring the sufferer to the grave after "And there she died,--in my arms. I will not try to harass you by
telling you what those few days were; how absolutely he was struck to Then they went to lunch, and Lady Mary did find herself to be happy
with her new acquaintance. Her life since her mother's death had Mrs. Montacute Jones, who lived in Grosvenor Place and had a country
house in Gloucestershire, and a place for young men to shoot at in That same night, after Miss Cassewary had gone to bed, when the moon
was high in the heavens and the world around her was all asleep, Lady Lady Mabel spent the greater part of the afternoon alone,
endeavouring to recall to her mind all that she had said to Frank dearest spot in the world." So she went on in almost high spirits,
though alluding to the general decadence of the Grex family, till
Tregear took his leave.
this objectionable lover had either contrived a meeting, or had met
her without contriving, it was necessary that the Duke should be
informed. "I would rather you wrote the letter," said Lady Mary. "But in his study. "I think you ought to be aware," she said to the Duke,
"that though I trust Mary implicitly and know her to be thoroughly the Duke, and that in answer I have received a very short one. That
has been the whole correspondence. Here is your father's letter to
me." Then she brought out of her pocket a note, which Lady Mary of showing them to the Duke. "Oh yes," said Mary, "I think it would
be so much the best. Give papa my kindest love, and tell him from me "So he is," said Mary. Whereupon the Duke kissed the two girls and
went his way,--showing that by this time he had adopted the one and
the proposed husband of the other into his heart. She did show the letters to the Duke, and in answer to a word or two
from him explained that she could not take upon herself to debar her
guest from the use of the post. "But she will write nothing without
letting you know it." "Quite aware. I believe I may say that if other things go straight,
she will consent."

"And your father--the Duke?"

"He knows nothing about it,--as yet." heard nothing of his son's courtship. And she was equally sure that
the matter had not reached Lady Mary's ears. She perceived that the
Duke and her father would often converse together. Mr. Boncassen offence to the Duke. She was there with the object of ingratiating
herself with the Duke. She must not impede her favour with the Duke
by making herself the medium of any secret communications between affection with which the Duchess had regarded her. And yet if she
were to be silent how could she forgive herself? "The Duke certainly
ought to know at once," said she, repeating her words merely that she our minds as to what had better be done. It is out of the question
that Lady Mary should be allowed to consider herself to be engaged,
and that the father should be kept in ignorance of her position." She "I knew that I loved her. What is a man to do when he feels like
that? Of course I meant to tell you." The Duke was now looking very
black. "I thought you liked her, sir." "Well, yes;--the Duke is very kind."

"Don't you think--?"

"Eh!"

"You have heard of her mother's fortune?" "I should be glad to see you marry early," said the Duke, speaking
in a low voice, almost solemnly, but in his quietest, sweetest tone "I am complying with Lady Mary's wishes in asking your permission to
enter your house as her suitor." The Duke stood for a moment biting know whether you approve it," Lady Cantrip said to the Duke; "but
Mary has become very intimate with our new American friend." At this
time Lady Cantrip had become very nervous,--so as almost to wish Mrs. Finn, Mary had made a request, and then the Duke had suggested
that the husband should be asked to accompany his wife. For two or three days after the first scene between the Duke and his
daughter,--that scene in which she was forbidden either to see or circumstanced, that if her happiness depended on marrying a poor
man, want of money need not prevent it." The Duke suspecting nothing,
believing this to be a not unnatural expression of maternal interest, "Why not, Mary? Of course he has made it his business to ascertain
all particulars as to Lord Popplecourt's character and property."

"Papa knows that I love somebody else."
"But I have!" Lord Silverbridge as he made the announcement blushed
up to the eyes.

Then there came over the father something almost of fear. If he was
to be told, how would it be if he could not approve? somewhat moved. And Silverbridge also was moved by it. Of course he
could not but remember that he had pledged himself to his father to continued the Duke. Silverbridge when he heard this at once knew that
he had gained his cause. His father had spoken of the marriage as a
thing that was to happen. A joyous light dawned in his eyes, and the When Tregear left him, Silverbridge went to his father's room. He
was anxious that they should understand each other as to Mary's
engagement.

"I thought you were at the House," said the Duke. of her lover. Silverbridge was so much annoyed by a feeling that this
interview was a treason to his father, that he sat cudgelling his disgust of the father and not altogether with the approbation of Miss
Cass. But Lady Mabel had declared that she would not be guilty of the
folly of changing old habits. Silverbridge, being Silverbridge to said the Duke, with a long sigh. Then Silverbridge took his father's
hand, and looked up in his face. "I most sincerely hope that she may be not, still I would wish you to bear in mind what is my idea as to
your duty." Silverbridge said that he would bear this in mind, and
then escaped from the room. him new life. All this Lord Silverbridge understood, but had said to
himself and to all his friends that it was a matter in which he did
not intend to be controlled. "For what good? I have not spoken to father or mother because I have
known that it must depend upon your father. Lord Silverbridge, if And so it was settled, that on the day but one after this
conversation Lord Silverbridge and Tregear should go together to
Silverbridge. But the Major, when on the same night his noble her." Silverbridge looked up into his father's face with beseeching
imploring eyes as though everything now depended on the next few
words that he might utter. "I shall think it an unwise marriage," "I was so sorry, Lord Silverbridge," said Sir Timothy, "that you
could not accede to our little request."

"I did not quite see my way," said Silverbridge, with his eye upon
Isabel. to pay Lord Silverbridge's electioneering expenses, feeling it to be
his duty as a father to do so much for his son. with Lord Silverbridge. But to do so he must make a clean breast
with his Lordship and confess the intended sin. As he heard all that
was being done, his conscience troubled him sorely. With pitch of "Quite so, my Lord Duke. I hope you think that Silverbridge is
looking well?"

"Yes;--yes. I think so." in the crowd of departing people on the terrace. "Mind you keep
your word," she said. And then she turned to her father. "Lord
Silverbridge has promised to call." sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; Boncassen entered by another door, and the two men were alone
together. "My dear Lord Silverbridge," said the father, "I want to
have a few words with you." Of course there was nothing for him but "My father does not take it in bad part at all," said Silverbridge.

"Perhaps he's ratting himself," said the Earl. "When a man lends
himself to a coalition he is as good as half gone."
Silverbridge had thought very much of somebody. He was quite aware
that he had almost made an offer to Lady Mabel. She certainly had not "What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." Thrice within the next three weeks did Lord Silverbridge go forth
to ask Mabel to be his wife, but thrice in vain. On one occasion "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the of 'em. I put it to Lord Silverbridge to say whether I'm that sort of
fellow." Then he sat down. he was Lord Silverbridge to Lady Mabel. Lady Mabel had not as yet
become Mabel to him, but, as by her very intimate friends she was had not been Lord Silverbridge, but had been some young man with whom
it would not have been expedient that Lady Mabel should fall in love,
may perhaps be doubted. But then it may be taken as certain that "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I think you are--"

"Stop, stop. Do not say it." sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; In truth Mabel had sent for Lord Silverbridge, and this had been her
letter:


   DEAR LORD SILVERBRIDGE, disgust of the father and not altogether with the approbation of Miss
Cass. But Lady Mabel had declared that she would not be guilty of the
folly of changing old habits. Silverbridge, being Silverbridge to his friend Lord Silverbridge. Hitherto he had contented himself with
the brilliancy of the connection; but now his brilliant friend had
taken to snubbing him, and had on more than one occasion made himself "I was so sorry, Lord Silverbridge," said Sir Timothy, "that you
could not accede to our little request."

"I did not quite see my way," said Silverbridge, with his eye upon
Isabel. "You should answer my question, Lord Silverbridge. It is surely one
which I have a right to ask." Then she stood waiting for his reply, Funds." Lord Silverbridge had declared him to be a fool. No one
thought him to be bright. But in the eyes of the Duke,--and of Lady
Cantrip,--he had his good qualities. in London that he loved her? Had he not given her the ring which she
well knew he valued? Ah;--if she could but have been aware of all
that had passed between Silverbridge and the Duke, how different "Now we've been round the haycocks, and really, Lord Silverbridge, I
don't think we have gained much by it. Those forced marches never do
any good." And so they parted. "Perhaps Silverbridge might admire her."

"I have no doubt he would,--or does, for I am aware that they have
met. But why should he not admire her?" She sat down and took one of his hands within her own. Then, as he
did not begin at once, she asked a question. "Will Silverbridge stand
for the county, papa?"

"No, my dear."
had not been Lord Silverbridge, but had been some young man with whom
it would not have been expedient that Lady Mabel should fall in love,
may perhaps be doubted. But then it may be taken as certain that "Perhaps Silverbridge might admire her."

"I have no doubt he would,--or does, for I am aware that they have
met. But why should he not admire her?" "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I think you are--"

"Stop, stop. Do not say it." "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the "What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." of her lover. Silverbridge was so much annoyed by a feeling that this
interview was a treason to his father, that he sat cudgelling his "That remains to be seen, Lord Silverbridge. The rich man will at any
rate have to fall in love with me first. If you know of any one you
need not tell him to be too sure because he has a good income." "I dare say she would consent,--if it were all serene. Why should she
not? Do not try her too hard, Lord Silverbridge. You say you love
her."

"I do, indeed." Silverbridge had thought very much of somebody. He was quite aware
that he had almost made an offer to Lady Mabel. She certainly had not Lord Silverbridge found himself close to Lady Mabel and Tregear, and
also to Miss Cassewary, who had now joined Lady Mabel. He had been he was Lord Silverbridge to Lady Mabel. Lady Mabel had not as yet
become Mabel to him, but, as by her very intimate friends she was "My belief is that he's almost as much in love with you as I am,"
said Silverbridge, as he took her to the door of the Duke's room.
"Here we are, sir." sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; him much. He had known Miss Boncassen a week or two before Lord
Silverbridge had seen her, having by some chance dined out and sat
next to her. From that moment he had become changed, and had gone Silverbridge must enter in upon his share of the trouble. He did not
know that in saying all this he was offering his son as a husband
to Lady Mabel, but she understood it as thoroughly as though he had Funds." Lord Silverbridge had declared him to be a fool. No one
thought him to be bright. But in the eyes of the Duke,--and of Lady
Cantrip,--he had his good qualities. in love with Frank Tregear;--but Miss Cassewary knew that whatever
danger there might have been in that respect had passed away. Frank
was willing to talk to her, while Mabel and Lord Silverbridge were in attend upon Miss Boncassen, and the feeling of this privilege had
been enhanced by the manner in which Lord Silverbridge had devoted
himself to her. Fashion of course makes fashion. Had not Lord "It is hardly the same thing, Frank. Of course, there is not a girl
in London to whom Lord Silverbridge would not be the best match that
she could make. He has the choice of us all."
"I will not be separated from her," said Silverbridge, who was
beginning to feel that he was subjugated to tyranny. If he chose to
marry Isabel, no one could have a right to hinder him. "I am sure I don't know, Lord Silverbridge. Isabel is most used to
having her own way, I guess. I think when hearts are joined almost "Yes, sir,--on condition that you will approve."

"Did you go to her, Silverbridge, with such a stipulation as that?"

"It was not like that." "I dare say she would consent,--if it were all serene. Why should she
not? Do not try her too hard, Lord Silverbridge. You say you love
her."

"I do, indeed." "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" "What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." "I want to marry your daughter," said Silverbridge. Isabel had told
him that he was downright, and in such a matter he had hardly as around her,--you shall have her. And I shall rejoice to give her to
you,--not because you are Lord Silverbridge, not because of your rank
and wealth; but because you are--that individual human being whom I "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." strongly suspected that something had been said between her father
and her brother on the subject. But then she had Isabel Boncassen's
direct assurance that Silverbridge was engaged to her! Now when Silverbridge must enter in upon his share of the trouble. He did not
know that in saying all this he was offering his son as a husband
to Lady Mabel, but she understood it as thoroughly as though he had its owner off. Silverbridge was on this occasion quite determined not
to take himself off at all. As it was only a lunch the people must
go, and then he would be left with Isabel. But the vacillation of the "You should answer my question, Lord Silverbridge. It is surely one
which I have a right to ask." Then she stood waiting for his reply, "For what good? I have not spoken to father or mother because I have
known that it must depend upon your father. Lord Silverbridge, if "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the her." Silverbridge looked up into his father's face with beseeching
imploring eyes as though everything now depended on the next few
words that he might utter. "I shall think it an unwise marriage," After this they settled down for a few minutes to general
conversation, and then Lord Silverbridge again took his leave. When
he was gone Isabel Boncassen almost regretted that the "something "I am quite sure she will," said Silverbridge, whose ideas as to
Isabel's duties were confined at present to a feeling that she would
now have to give him kisses without stint. continued the Duke. Silverbridge when he heard this at once knew that
he had gained his cause. His father had spoken of the marriage as a
thing that was to happen. A joyous light dawned in his eyes, and the "He hardly ever spoke to her. I'll tell you what; I expect
Silverbridge is going to marry her."

"Why shouldn't he?"
the Duke at once, but Gerald won't hear of it. I hope you
   won't think me wrong to tell you. If I could help him I At this time both his sons were living with the Duke in London. It
had been found impracticable to send Lord Gerald back to Cambridge. "Oh, indeed," said the Duke in a solemn, dry, funereal tone. And then
all the little life which Gerald's remark about the boat-race had "And Gerald is a regular brick." The Duke bowed. "Silverbridge used
always to be going off to Killancodlem, where there were a lot of must be explained somewhat at length. Lord Gerald Palliser, the
Duke's second son, was at this time at Cambridge,--being almost as "So you have come at last," he said to Gerald. That was the first
greeting,--to which the son responded by an awkward smile. But in the time. Lord Gerald, the younger son, was at once sent up to Trinity.
For the eldest son a seat was to be found in the House of Commons, far as I can see we all feel that we could not get along very well
without him." Upon the whole the Duke was pleased with what he heard
from his son. The young man's ideas about politics were boyish, but When the Duke arrived in London his sons were not there. Gerald had
gone back to Oxford, and Silverbridge had merely left an address. But Lord Gerald, who had never as yet heard anything as to his future
destiny from his father, was interested by the statement. "When I
think of all this,--of what constitutes happiness,--I am almost The Duke paused so long, collecting his own thoughts and thinking of
his own words, that Gerald found himself obliged to answer. "Cheques,
and sovereigns, and bank-notes," he replied with much hesitation. been intended. "When the governor drank that glass of wine it seemed
as though half the marriage ceremony had been performed," Gerald said
to his brother that evening. When the Duke's glass was replaced on "But indeed there is,--a most terrible misfortune." Then he told the
whole story. How Gerald had been kept in London, and how he had gone Gerald told his story, standing bolt upright, and looking his father
full in the face as he told it. "You lost three thousand four hundred
pounds at one sitting to Lord Percival--at cards!" "The Duke, I think, does not much care about young people. I hardly
know what he used to do with himself. When I dined with them, I saw if he could prevent it, by Gerald. There should be no dealings with
Comfort and Criball. The Duke had succeeded, at any rate, in filling have had Gerald there in the Gallery sometimes. It is just as well he
should know what is being done." on such an occasion were bound to show themselves, as members of the
family. With them and his two sons the Duke walked across to the
graveyard, and then walked back; but even to those who stayed the much triumph. It was going to be the greatest thing ever done by six
guns in Scotland. As for Gerald, whom he had regarded as a boy, and exactitude. He ought to have received the two young men with open
arms because they were punctual; but he had been somewhat angered by
what he considered the extreme youth of Lord Gerald. Boys who could
For two or three days after the first scene between the Duke and his
daughter,--that scene in which she was forbidden either to see or "Well, yes;--the Duke is very kind."

"Don't you think--?"

"Eh!"

"You have heard of her mother's fortune?" She did show the letters to the Duke, and in answer to a word or two
from him explained that she could not take upon herself to debar her
guest from the use of the post. "But she will write nothing without
letting you know it." "I knew that I loved her. What is a man to do when he feels like
that? Of course I meant to tell you." The Duke was now looking very
black. "I thought you liked her, sir." to the Duke. He must take all that as it might come. "There shall be an end to that, sir."

"God bless you, my boy!" said the Duke. "And let her know also that anything I can do to make her happy shall
be done. But, Duke, there is but one cure."

"Time, you mean." is true enough." This was not encouraging, but as the Duke went on
reading, Mabel did not think it necessary to argue the matter. He had
to read the last paragraph twice before he understood it. He did read "What makes you fancy that?" said the Duke, striving to conceal
by his manner, but not altogether successful in concealing, the
gratification which he certainly felt. The Duke, though he had already considered the matter very seriously,
nevertheless took a few minutes to consider it again. "The offer,"
said he, "must be acknowledged as very flattering."

"But the circumstances are not usual." himself is so acceptable and well-behaved." That was her idea, and
with that she would have indoctrined the Duke had she been able. But "Well he may," said the Duke sententiously. "We have laid ourselves
very open to having fun poked at us in this matter." "Surely we ought to listen to him," said the Duke. And for a short
time they did listen. "Sir Timothy is not a man I like, you know," The Duke paused a moment before he answered. "Yes I do;--and in what
I said just now perhaps I wronged him. I have been under obligations would be unbearable. The Duke felt that, and though his ears were
tingling and his brow knitted, he could have forgiven the language,
if only he could have admitted the argument. He understood every word "Hardly that. He may put impediments in the way; and the Duke will
do so. But if I am happy enough to have won the affections of his the Thursday had come. The Duke had been impatient but had restrained
himself. He had seen that they were much together and that they were
apparently friends. He too told himself that there were two more The Duke, who had again seated himself, and was leaning back in his
chair, raised himself up, placed his hands on the table before him, chosen such a friend. The Duke was essentially a just man; and
though, at the very moment in which the request was made, his heart
was half crushed by his son's apostasy, he gave the permission asked. circumstanced, that if her happiness depended on marrying a poor
man, want of money need not prevent it." The Duke suspecting nothing,
believing this to be a not unnatural expression of maternal interest,
"Plantagenet;--but we always call him Silverbridge."

"Plantagenet is very much prettier. I shall always call him
Plantagenet. But I recall that. You will not remember that against
me?" CHAPTER II

Lady Mary Palliser I. When the Duchess Was Dead
        II. Lady Mary Palliser
       III. Francis Oliphant Tregear
        IV. Park Lane worlds," she said. "It belongs to that Palliser girl. And as I have
taught myself to think that what there is left of me may perhaps his superior? The reader will understand. It had been settled by
the wisdom of the elders that it would be a good thing that Lord
Popplecourt should marry Lady Mary Palliser. "There's one Palliser would welcome you."

"Would you, dear? Then I will love you so dearly. May I call you
Mary?"

"Of course you may." Duke. The house of Palliser, Gatherum Castle, the Duke of Omnium,
and this special Duke himself, were all so great in the eyes of "He, I should think, can be very imperious."

"And so can she. The Pallisers are all obstinate."

"Is Silverbridge obstinate?" she asked. while he, Plantagenet Palliser, as he was then, had been quite as
insignificant in appearance as Lord Popplecourt. upright, looking forward on the table, and taking his dinner as it
came to him. He had been put there in order that Lady Mary Palliser
might talk to him, and he regarded interference on the part of "A fine high-spirited girl. These Pallisers have more courage about
them than one expects from their outward manner. Silverbridge has
plenty of it."

"I remember telling you he could be obstinate." daughter! Lady Mary Palliser!" Again the young man bowed his head.
"What are your pretensions?" Palliser. He was tolerably certain that, should he be able to
overcome the parental obstacles which he would no doubt find in his
path, money would be forthcoming sufficient for the purposes of thought much about it, and had declared to himself that on no account
would he marry a woman for her money. Then he had encountered Lady
Mary Palliser. There had been no doubt, no resolution after that, all the world was nothing to him, except as far as the world was
concerned with Lady Mary Palliser. He had come back to England
somewhat before the ducal party, and the pleasures and occupations acknowledged that he had as yet flattered himself with no hopes in
regard to Lady Mary Palliser. He, when he prepared himself for his
journey down to Richmond, thought much more of the Duke than of the honour in the house of Palliser,--but that was a matter which must
henceforward be buried in silence. "He did not say as much, but from him asking for her presence. Then she sat down and read two
letters, one from Lady Cantrip, and the other from a Mrs. Jeffrey
Palliser, each of which contained an invitation for his daughter, that he could not abdicate, but he was quite sure that no one could
prevent him from going to America and calling himself Mr. Palliser.
That his father would forgive him and accept the daughter-in-law interrupted her. "The Pallisers have always been Liberal. It will be
a blow to me, indeed, if Silverbridge deserts his colours. I know
Queen's government had been carried on for two or three years. The
Duke of Omnium had been the head of that Ministry; but during those
years had suffered so much as to have become utterly ashamed of the of the leaders of the party. The old Duke of St. Bungay wrote the
following letter to the Duke of Omnium. The letter purported to be an Then the Duke wrote a cheque for the money claimed and sent it with
a note, as follows:--"The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to been done because the man was Duke of Omnium. There are positions
exalted beyond the reach of benevolence, because benevolence would of a Duke of Omnium marrying the younger son of a country squire.
Nothing further was then said on the matter, and when the Duke went
to town Lady Mary was left quite alone, with an understanding that if man, and he--she would tell herself--now appeared to care as little
for her. And yet to be Duchess of Omnium! But was it not clear that "The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mr. Francis Tregear,
and begs to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Tregear's letter of ----. "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." the Duke of Omnium and his daughter. The Duke and Lady Mary had just
arrived, having passed through the mountains from the salt-mine
district, and were about to take up their residence in the hotel for The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mrs. Finn.
   As the Duke thinks that no good could result either to daughter of the Duke of Omnium, to be the future Duchess, to escape
from all the cares which her father's vices and follies had brought the Duke himself while he was a commoner, but they had returned him
as being part and parcel of the Omnium appendages. That was all over who ought to see that no wrong was committed. She was not directly
responsible to the Duke of Omnium, but she was thoroughly permeated
by a feeling that it was her duty to take care that there should "Yes;--I know that. What good does that do? Father is not a Duke of
Omnium. No one supposed that he would object."

"But he did," said Silverbridge. Duke of Omnium, and alive also to the flattering courtesy shown to
him by Lady Cantrip. But justice would not be done him unless it were now. As a constituency they were not endowed with advanced views, and
thought that a Conservative would suit them best. That being so, and
as they had been told that the Duke's son was a Conservative, they personal dignity in the continued correspondence which this would
produce. "The Duke of Omnium regrets to say, in answer to Mrs.
Finn's letter, that he thinks no good can be attained by a prolonged who was beautiful, well-born, rich, who was the daughter of the Duke
of Omnium, and he had absolutely nothing of his own to offer. No one, probably, ever felt himself to be more alone in the world
than our old friend, the Duke of Omnium, when the Duchess died. When because he was heir to the Dukedom of Omnium. She herself was so
infinitely superior to all wealth, to all rank, to all sublunary
"Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mrs. Finn.
   As the Duke thinks that no good could result either to "It is altogether different;--altogether. Frank's wife will be simply
his wife. Mine, should I outlive my father, will be Duchess of
Omnium." of a Duke of Omnium marrying the younger son of a country squire.
Nothing further was then said on the matter, and when the Duke went
to town Lady Mary was left quite alone, with an understanding that if Duchess of Omnium." Then she kissed her friend and went away to her
own room. daughter of the Duke of Omnium, to be the future Duchess, to escape
from all the cares which her father's vices and follies had brought future Dukes of Omnium,--the ancestress, it was to be hoped, of all
future Dukes of Omnium! By what she might be, by what she might have Lady Mary had said. Why should the Duke of Omnium wish to meet her?
"Silverbridge will be here too," Mary had gone on to say. "It is just Duke of Omnium, and alive also to the flattering courtesy shown to
him by Lady Cantrip. But justice would not be done him unless it were Then the Duke wrote a cheque for the money claimed and sent it with
a note, as follows:--"The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to The Duke of Omnium understands from Mrs. Finn's letter
   that Mrs. Finn, while she was the Duke's guest at who was beautiful, well-born, rich, who was the daughter of the Duke
of Omnium, and he had absolutely nothing of his own to offer. man, and he--she would tell herself--now appeared to care as little
for her. And yet to be Duchess of Omnium! But was it not clear that the Duke of Omnium and his daughter. The Duke and Lady Mary had just
arrived, having passed through the mountains from the salt-mine
district, and were about to take up their residence in the hotel for and we have come to a conclusion. If the Duke of Omnium will tell us
that she would be safe as your wife,--safe from the contempt of those Duchess of Omnium was not to be found everywhere. But this girl,
he thought as he saw her walking briskly and strongly through the
snow, with every mark of health about her, with every sign of high heir of the Duke of Omnium has done me the inexpressible honour of
asking me--to marry him." personal dignity in the continued correspondence which this would
produce. "The Duke of Omnium regrets to say, in answer to Mrs.
Finn's letter, that he thinks no good can be attained by a prolonged should cease to think of being Duchess of Omnium. It was not fit that
she should think of it. She herself cared but little for the young contained himself. "She won't look at me because she has got it into
her head that perhaps some day she may be Duchess of Omnium! That of
course is out of the question."
"She ought to do as she is told," said the Duke, remembering how
obedient his Glencora had been. "Has he spoken to her?"

"I think not." connexion between Lady Cantrip and Lord Popplecourt, everybody there
was more or less connected with everybody else. Nidderdale had been a
first cousin of Lady Glencora, and he had married a daughter of Lady had availed in the case of his own wife. Before he had ever seen her
as Lady Glencora McCloskie she had been desirous of giving herself beautiful. And he could remember how his uncle, the late Duke, who
had seldom taken much trouble in merely human affairs, had said a
word or two--"I have heard a whisper about you and Lady Glencora her story to her mother's old friend. Lady Mary no doubt had had her
confidences with her mother,--confidences from which it had been
intended by both that the father should be excluded; and now she Midlothian had first hinted to him that Lady Glencora's property was
very large, and had then added that the young lady herself was very Very quickly there came to be close intimacy between Mrs. Finn
and Lady Mary. For a day or two the elder woman, though the place
she filled was one of absolute confidence, rather resisted than would be expedient. But she felt very strongly that it could not
be done. No doubt that Lady Glencora had been turned from her evil
destiny; but Lady Glencora had been younger than her daughter was Glencora's; but with the death of my friend there was an end of all
that." This woman was regarded by Lady Mary as her mother's dearest friend.
It was therefore incumbent on him now to induce her to believe in him
as the Duchess had believed. not prevailed. And in her case had not the opposition which had been
made to her wishes been most fortunate? That young person had become
his wife, his Glencora, his Duchess. Had she been allowed to have her "I wanted her to go to Lady Cantrip who had invited her, but she
would not. In that way we were thrown together in the closest
intercourse, for two or three weeks. Then she told me the story of
your engagement." Then gradually there came confidences,--and at last absolute
confidence. The whole story about Mr. Tregear was told. Yes; she
loved Mr. Tregear. She had given him her heart, and had told him so. Lady Cantrip she never said a word. But Lady Cantrip was always a
duenna to her, whereas Mrs. Finn was a friend. While the Duke and
Phineas were discussing politics together--thoroughly enjoying the in her early life. But her husband to her had always been an outside
power which had in many cases to be evaded. Lady Mary, though she did
not express all this, evidently thought that in this new friend she There had been one lady, a very dear ally, staying in the house with
them when the Duchess died. This was Mrs. Finn, the wife of Phineas "Then the maiden should--in any class of life--be allowed to take the
man--that just suits her eye?" As he said this his mind was intent on
his Glencora and on Burgo Fitzgerald. In all this she half-confided her thoughts and her prospects to her
old friend, Miss Cassewary. "That girl has gone at last," she said to
Miss Cass. "Not at all! No one less so!" As she said this she could not hinder
the colour from coming into her face. "I was her friend,--Lady "Not particularly. It seems to me now that everybody knows
everything. There are no longer any secrets."

"But she is a special friend."

"Of yours," said Silverbridge.
"She ought to do as she is told," said the Duke, remembering how
obedient his Glencora had been. "Has he spoken to her?"

"I think not." beautiful. And he could remember how his uncle, the late Duke, who
had seldom taken much trouble in merely human affairs, had said a
word or two--"I have heard a whisper about you and Lady Glencora connexion between Lady Cantrip and Lord Popplecourt, everybody there
was more or less connected with everybody else. Nidderdale had been a
first cousin of Lady Glencora, and he had married a daughter of Lady "Then the maiden should--in any class of life--be allowed to take the
man--that just suits her eye?" As he said this his mind was intent on
his Glencora and on Burgo Fitzgerald. had availed in the case of his own wife. Before he had ever seen her
as Lady Glencora McCloskie she had been desirous of giving herself not prevailed. And in her case had not the opposition which had been
made to her wishes been most fortunate? That young person had become
his wife, his Glencora, his Duchess. Had she been allowed to have her would be expedient. But she felt very strongly that it could not
be done. No doubt that Lady Glencora had been turned from her evil
destiny; but Lady Glencora had been younger than her daughter was "Lady Mabel Grex. She is daughter of Lord Grex. That man with her
is my particular friend. His name is Frank Tregear, and they are
cousins."

"I am so glad they are cousins." "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." his superior? The reader will understand. It had been settled by
the wisdom of the elders that it would be a good thing that Lord
Popplecourt should marry Lady Mary Palliser. allowed to talk together, and very right indeed that such a young
gentleman as Lord Silverbridge should be allowed to talk to such a
young lady as Lady Mabel. What could be so nice as a marriage between from him asking for her presence. Then she sat down and read two
letters, one from Lady Cantrip, and the other from a Mrs. Jeffrey
Palliser, each of which contained an invitation for his daughter, "And especially so with Lady Mary?" This she said in her sweetest
possible tone, and with a most gracious smile.

"Especially so with Lady Mary," he replied. Midlothian had first hinted to him that Lady Glencora's property was
very large, and had then added that the young lady herself was very see her." But he had not meant to tell her this. The request had been
made at Lady Mabel's instance. When his sister had spoken of her
father's possible objection, then he had become eager in explaining Poor Mrs. Boncassen had not perhaps a happy time with her august
guests on that morning; but when she retired to give Isabel her last
kiss in privacy she did feel proud to think that her daughter would
some day be an English Duchess. Lady Mabel had fluttered about him on his first coming, and had been
very gracious, doing the part of an old friend. "There is to be a big
shooting to-morrow," she said, in the presence of Mrs. Jones. the daughter had hinted it to her husband. Lord Cantrip of course was
not in the dark. Lady Mabel had expressed a hint on the matter to
Miss Cass, who had not repudiated it. Even Silverbridge had suggested as the rupture might have been, she would have reconciled herself at
last to her new life. So it had been with his Glencora, after a time. Lord Popplecourt endeavoured to make himself pleasant to one of the
FitzHoward young ladies, and on the next morning he took his leave of
Custins.
personal dignity in the continued correspondence which this would
produce. "The Duke of Omnium regrets to say, in answer to Mrs.
Finn's letter, that he thinks no good can be attained by a prolonged "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." Mrs. Finn presents her compliments to the Duke of Omnium.
   Mrs. Finn finds it to be essential to her that she should The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mrs. Finn.
   As the Duke thinks that no good could result either to "Mrs. Finn is aware of it," answered Tregear.

"Mrs. Finn!" exclaimed the Duke, as though he had been stung by an
adder. Then Tregear wrote a most chilling note to Mrs. Finn, informing her
with great precision, that, as the Duke of Omnium intended to be in her, and she had told the Duke that, according to her thinking, Mrs.
Finn had behaved well! When the Duke, with an energy which was by no The Duke of Omnium understands from Mrs. Finn's letter
   that Mrs. Finn, while she was the Duke's guest at "Then, my dear, your father ought to know it," said Mrs. Finn.

"No; not yet. Mamma knew it."

"Did she know all that you have told me?" All this Mrs. Finn repeated to the Duke as closely as she could, and
then of course the father was obliged to speak to his daughter.

"Don't send me away, papa," she said at once. But he gave her a promise that he would see the Duke before a week
was over. Nevertheless he left the house in dudgeon, having told Mrs.
Finn more than once that she was taking advantage of Lady Mary's "Yes;--I know that. What good does that do? Father is not a Duke of
Omnium. No one supposed that he would object."

"But he did," said Silverbridge. "She ought to do as she is told," said the Duke, remembering how
obedient his Glencora had been. "Has he spoken to her?"

"I think not." Lady Mary had said. Why should the Duke of Omnium wish to meet her?
"Silverbridge will be here too," Mary had gone on to say. "It is just man, and he--she would tell herself--now appeared to care as little
for her. And yet to be Duchess of Omnium! But was it not clear that Lady Mary and Mrs. Finn were alone when the tidings came from
Silverbridge. The Duke had been absent, having gone to spend an "And now, Mrs. Finn, what is to come next?"

"Ah!"

"Something must be done! You know of course that the Duke did not
receive me with any great favour." which was now in the occupation of a lady with whom she was not on
inviting terms, in order that she might thus force herself on the
Duke's daughter? Mrs. Finn had not left her carriage, but had sent in should be told to him, the Duke, in the proper way. "I think she
did," said Lady Cantrip, "what I myself should have done in similar
circumstances." to Lady Mary. This letter reached Matching on Tuesday and made the
position of Mrs. Finn very disagreeable. She was bound to carry
herself as though nothing was amiss, knowing, as she did so, the
Silverbridge must enter in upon his share of the trouble. He did not
know that in saying all this he was offering his son as a husband
to Lady Mabel, but she understood it as thoroughly as though he had "Quite so, my Lord Duke. I hope you think that Silverbridge is
looking well?"

"Yes;--yes. I think so." attend upon Miss Boncassen, and the feeling of this privilege had
been enhanced by the manner in which Lord Silverbridge had devoted
himself to her. Fashion of course makes fashion. Had not Lord "I was so sorry, Lord Silverbridge," said Sir Timothy, "that you
could not accede to our little request."

"I did not quite see my way," said Silverbridge, with his eye upon
Isabel. "Poor fellow! I wish he had a little money; he is so nice. And now,
Lord Silverbridge, do you mean to say that there is not something in
the wind about Lady Mary?" Lord Silverbridge found his sister alone. "I particularly want you,"
said he, "to come and call on Mabel Grex. She wishes to know you, and
I am sure you would like her." sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; concerned, as proper recreations for a man of wealth. Silverbridge
should have it all, if he could arrange it. The one thing necessary
was a fitting wife;--and the fitting wife had been absolutely chosen "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the Lord Silverbridge sat in the House--or, to speak more accurately, in
the smoking-room of the House--for about an hour thinking over all of 'em. I put it to Lord Silverbridge to say whether I'm that sort of
fellow." Then he sat down. "His Lordship is quite aware how much he owes to Mr. Du Boung," said
Tregear. Whereupon Lord Silverbridge bowed.

"And now what are we to do?" said Lord Silverbridge. In truth Mabel had sent for Lord Silverbridge, and this had been her
letter:


   DEAR LORD SILVERBRIDGE, are quite delighted with Silverbridge for a member. And he is quite
jocose. 'They used to be delighted with me once,' he says, 'but I
suppose everybody changes.'" Then she began to pour out the tea with Lord Silverbridge. But to do so he must make a clean breast
with his Lordship and confess the intended sin. As he heard all that
was being done, his conscience troubled him sorely. With pitch of for his future respectability and dignity, that his fears were so
keen, and not for his own money. By one so excitable, so fond of
pleasure as Lord Silverbridge, some ravaging would probably be made. When the time came in which he could employ himself he called
for Silverbridge, and they walked together across the park to
Westminster. Silverbridge was gay and full of eagerness as to the by letter as to Mr. Tregear, of whom she had only known that he
was the younger son of a Cornish gentleman, who had become Lord
Silverbridge's friend at Oxford. In this there had certainly been but "My Lord," said Miss Cassewary--she always called him "My
Lord"--"Lord Silverbridge is going to stand for the Duke's borough in
the Conservative interest." Lord Silverbridge to join the party. Mabel Grex was to be at
Killancodlem, and, determined as he still was to ask her to be his
"What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." Thrice within the next three weeks did Lord Silverbridge go forth
to ask Mabel to be his wife, but thrice in vain. On one occasion "I was so sorry, Lord Silverbridge," said Sir Timothy, "that you
could not accede to our little request."

"I did not quite see my way," said Silverbridge, with his eye upon
Isabel. "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I think you are--"

"Stop, stop. Do not say it." "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" "You should answer my question, Lord Silverbridge. It is surely one
which I have a right to ask." Then she stood waiting for his reply, Silverbridge had thought very much of somebody. He was quite aware
that he had almost made an offer to Lady Mabel. She certainly had not disgust of the father and not altogether with the approbation of Miss
Cass. But Lady Mabel had declared that she would not be guilty of the
folly of changing old habits. Silverbridge, being Silverbridge to her." Silverbridge looked up into his father's face with beseeching
imploring eyes as though everything now depended on the next few
words that he might utter. "I shall think it an unwise marriage," "I dare say she would consent,--if it were all serene. Why should she
not? Do not try her too hard, Lord Silverbridge. You say you love
her."

"I do, indeed." She sat down and took one of his hands within her own. Then, as he
did not begin at once, she asked a question. "Will Silverbridge stand
for the county, papa?"

"No, my dear." sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the of 'em. I put it to Lord Silverbridge to say whether I'm that sort of
fellow." Then he sat down. ladies. "We won't have either Mr. L. or Lord P." Not a word was said
about Lord Silverbridge. There was not even an initial to indicate
his name. "I will not be separated from her," said Silverbridge, who was
beginning to feel that he was subjugated to tyranny. If he chose to
marry Isabel, no one could have a right to hinder him. continued the Duke. Silverbridge when he heard this at once knew that
he had gained his cause. His father had spoken of the marriage as a
thing that was to happen. A joyous light dawned in his eyes, and the "I think nothing of the sort."

"Yes, Silverbridge, you do. You have said to yourself this;--That
girl has determined to get me, and she has not scrupled as to how she
would do it." "Now we've been round the haycocks, and really, Lord Silverbridge, I
don't think we have gained much by it. Those forced marches never do
any good." And so they parted. Lord." Silverbridge would not shake hands with him, but could not
refrain from offering him a chair.
When the American had come to an end, Silverbridge was too much moved
to make any immediate answer. He had an idea in his own mind that "Perhaps Silverbridge might admire her."

"I have no doubt he would,--or does, for I am aware that they have
met. But why should he not admire her?" "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I think you are--"

"Stop, stop. Do not say it." had not been Lord Silverbridge, but had been some young man with whom
it would not have been expedient that Lady Mabel should fall in love,
may perhaps be doubted. But then it may be taken as certain that him much. He had known Miss Boncassen a week or two before Lord
Silverbridge had seen her, having by some chance dined out and sat
next to her. From that moment he had become changed, and had gone "It is hardly the same thing, Frank. Of course, there is not a girl
in London to whom Lord Silverbridge would not be the best match that
she could make. He has the choice of us all." "That remains to be seen, Lord Silverbridge. The rich man will at any
rate have to fall in love with me first. If you know of any one you
need not tell him to be too sure because he has a good income." "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the he was Lord Silverbridge to Lady Mabel. Lady Mabel had not as yet
become Mabel to him, but, as by her very intimate friends she was attend upon Miss Boncassen, and the feeling of this privilege had
been enhanced by the manner in which Lord Silverbridge had devoted
himself to her. Fashion of course makes fashion. Had not Lord "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" Funds." Lord Silverbridge had declared him to be a fool. No one
thought him to be bright. But in the eyes of the Duke,--and of Lady
Cantrip,--he had his good qualities. "What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." her English husband to her American friends, and the American friends
had no doubt taken a pride in seeing so glorious a British husband
in the hands of an American wife. Everything was new to Silverbridge, concerned, as proper recreations for a man of wealth. Silverbridge
should have it all, if he could arrange it. The one thing necessary
was a fitting wife;--and the fitting wife had been absolutely chosen Miss Boncassen which made it impossible to forget her. But Miss
Boncassen was an American, and on many accounts out of the question.
It did not occur to him that he would fall in love with Miss "I dare say she would consent,--if it were all serene. Why should she
not? Do not try her too hard, Lord Silverbridge. You say you love
her."

"I do, indeed." her as blackberries. Young Lord Silverbridge, of whom she was told
that of all the young lords of the day he stood first in rank and
wealth, was peculiarly her friend. Her brain was firmer than that of sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; Silverbridge were not devoted to the American beauty! What if it
should turn out that he was going to marry Lady Mabel Grex! "I
spent more money than he ought to have done, and now at this very
moment must ask for a large sum. And he had brought Gerald up to see
the Derby, thereby causing him to be sent away from Cambridge! And Lord Gerald raged against the restriction very loudly. He at first
proclaimed his intention of ignoring the college authorities
altogether. Of course he would be expelled. But the order itself must be explained somewhat at length. Lord Gerald Palliser, the
Duke's second son, was at this time at Cambridge,--being almost as from Oxford, and he counselled moderation. Gerald should see the
Derby, but should not encounter that heaviest wrath of all which
comes from a man's not sleeping beneath his college roof. There was "Well; of course what I did at Oxford made him unhappy; and now there
is this affair of Gerald's."

"He did not allude to your sister?" "But indeed there is,--a most terrible misfortune." Then he told the
whole story. How Gerald had been kept in London, and how he had gone been expelled from Cambridge, and Silverbridge was on the turf in
conjunction with Major Tifto! Something, too, had oozed out into
general ears about Lady Mary,--something which should have been Gerald had come up from Oxford for the occasion that he might make
acquaintance with the Boncassens. He had taken Isabel in to dinner, Gerald he would talk about Oxford, avoiding all allusions to past
Cambridge misfortunes; but in the presence of Silverbridge, whose
Oxford career had been so peculiarly unfortunate, he would make no Gerald told his story, standing bolt upright, and looking his father
full in the face as he told it. "You lost three thousand four hundred
pounds at one sitting to Lord Percival--at cards!" the college authorities that his name had better be taken off the
college books,--all which had been cause of very great sorrow to
the Duke. The other boy was to go to Cambridge; but his father had The doors of Trinity were closed against him. But some interest had
been made in his favour, and he was to be transferred to Oxford. All
the truth had been told, and there had been a feeling that the lad At this time both his sons were living with the Duke in London. It
had been found impracticable to send Lord Gerald back to Cambridge. misfortune at Oxford; but to Gerald himself he said almost nothing.
Now he has forgiven me because he thinks I am constant at the House." time. Lord Gerald, the younger son, was at once sent up to Trinity.
For the eldest son a seat was to be found in the House of Commons, son was at Oxford, admonitions in Latin would serve him better than
in his native tongue. But Gerald, when he heard the grand hexameter
rolled out in his father's grandest tone, entertained a comfortable expelled. His face fell, and he stood before his father almost like a
culprit. "We might as well have it out about this racing," continued
the Duke. "Something has to be said about it. You have lost an the griefs which weighed upon the Duke's mind, that in reference to
his sister was the heaviest. The money which Gerald owed at Cambridge Cambridge undergraduate should go to the Derby as that a Member
of Parliament should do so. Against this three or four rigid
disciplinarians had raised their voices,--and as a result, no young It was supposed that Lord Gerald passed his mornings in reading, and
some little attempts were made in that direction. It is to be feared
they did not come to much. Silverbridge was very kind to Gerald,
CHAPTER I

When the Duchess Was Dead "The Duke, I think, does not much care about young people. I hardly
know what he used to do with himself. When I dined with them, I saw far as I can see we all feel that we could not get along very well
without him." Upon the whole the Duke was pleased with what he heard
from his son. The young man's ideas about politics were boyish, but He paused for a moment, while the Duke stood with his back to the
fire looking at him. "I'm afraid that it is all over, sir," he said.

"All over!" For two or three days after the first scene between the Duke and his
daughter,--that scene in which she was forbidden either to see or "There shall be an end to that, sir."

"God bless you, my boy!" said the Duke. That his father should forgive so readily and yet himself suffer so
deeply, affected the son's feelings so strongly that for a time he
could hardly repress his sobs. "And now there shall not be a word
more said about it," said the Duke suddenly. The Duke was of course very wretched when these tidings first reached
him. Though he was a rich man, and of all men the least careful of Then the Duke, who had been sitting, got up from his chair and with
his back to the fire made a final little speech. "We decided just CHAPTER XXII

The Duke in His Study He, when he had left her, was angry with his own weakness. He had not
only promised that he would make his application to the Duke, but grief for the loss of his wife had been in some degree appeased, but
he could not speak the words. The Duke, however, perfectly understood
him. "In the meantime, they were not seeing each other." with his father, and I think it would break the Duke's heart to
quarrel with his son." Tifto endeavoured to argue the matter out; but "Oh, indeed," said the Duke in a solemn, dry, funereal tone. And then
all the little life which Gerald's remark about the boat-race had The first person whom he saw was the Duke himself, who, as the fly
from the station arrived, was returning from his walk. "You are The Duke, who had again seated himself, and was leaning back in his
chair, raised himself up, placed his hands on the table before him, "I do not believe a word of it," said the Duke, becoming extremely
red in the face. He was forced to do now that which he had just The Duke was almost beside himself with emotion and grief. He did
know,--though now at this moment he was most loath to own to himself yours. Tell the Duke what I say;--tell him with what language a son
may use to his father. And remember that all you ask for yourself you
will ask doubly for me." "Duke!"

"My child has at any rate been fortunate in securing the friendship
of such a friend." Then he turned back to the fireplace, and she was
constrained to leave the room without another word.
Queen's government had been carried on for two or three years. The
Duke of Omnium had been the head of that Ministry; but during those
years had suffered so much as to have become utterly ashamed of the would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the
constitution. But all this was now at an end. He told himself that he of his subjects. To the Duke's thinking the maintenance of the
aristocracy of the country was second only in importance to the
maintenance of the Crown. How should the aristocracy be maintained if CHAPTER LXXVIII

The Duke Returns to Office He paused for a moment, while the Duke stood with his back to the
fire looking at him. "I'm afraid that it is all over, sir," he said.

"All over!" far as I can see we all feel that we could not get along very well
without him." Upon the whole the Duke was pleased with what he heard
from his son. The young man's ideas about politics were boyish, but "Oh, Duke, that goes for very little anywhere. No one can depute
authority. It comes too much from personal accidents, and too little Then the Duke, who had been sitting, got up from his chair and with
his back to the fire made a final little speech. "We decided just For two or three days after the first scene between the Duke and his
daughter,--that scene in which she was forbidden either to see or CHAPTER XXII

The Duke in His Study everybody is. Our Duke, though he had not given his mind much to the
pursuit, had nevertheless learned his lesson. It is a knowledge which
the possession of the blue blood itself produces. There are countries CHAPTER L

The Duke's Arguments That was one of the three attacks which were made upon the Duke
before he went up to his parliamentary duties. "I say so now, and they shall be as though they had been never
spoken. So you bearded the Duke in his den, and asked him for Lady The Duke, who had again seated himself, and was leaning back in his
chair, raised himself up, placed his hands on the table before him, to the Duke. And the matter was not improved when he was made to
understand that all this was to be done for the sake of hunting.
There had been the shooting in Scotland; then the racing,--ah, alas! "He has been speaking to me--" When the Duke had got so far as this
he paused, finding himself to be hardly able to declare the disgrace been done because the man was Duke of Omnium. There are positions
exalted beyond the reach of benevolence, because benevolence would "I didn't know the Duke had a borough," said the Earl.

"He had one till he thought it proper to give it up," said the son,
taking his father's part. "I do not believe a word of it," said the Duke, becoming extremely
red in the face. He was forced to do now that which he had just
far as I can see we all feel that we could not get along very well
without him." Upon the whole the Duke was pleased with what he heard
from his son. The young man's ideas about politics were boyish, but In the meantime the Duke and his son were seated in close
conversation on one of the upstairs sofas. It was a rule at the voice and to see his manner. Of what sort was the eldest son of the
man of whom the neighbourhood had been so proud? For the county was
in truth proud of their Duke. Of this son whom they had now made a "The Duke, I think, does not much care about young people. I hardly
know what he used to do with himself. When I dined with them, I saw friend of the son and heir of a great and wealthy duke. He and Lord
Silverbridge had been always together, and they who were interested
in the career of the young nobleman had generally thought he had He paused for a moment, while the Duke stood with his back to the
fire looking at him. "I'm afraid that it is all over, sir," he said.

"All over!" with his father, and I think it would break the Duke's heart to
quarrel with his son." Tifto endeavoured to argue the matter out; but now. As a constituency they were not endowed with advanced views, and
thought that a Conservative would suit them best. That being so, and
as they had been told that the Duke's son was a Conservative, they The Duke was very anxious that his son should attend to his
parliamentary duties, but he was too proud a man and too generous to At this time both his sons were living with the Duke in London. It
had been found impracticable to send Lord Gerald back to Cambridge. "This is Lord Silverbridge, the Duke's son," said Chiltern, laughing. The first person whom he saw was the Duke himself, who, as the fly
from the station arrived, was returning from his walk. "You are "Well, yes;--the Duke is very kind."

"Don't you think--?"

"Eh!"

"You have heard of her mother's fortune?" of emigrating. As soon as he heard that the Duke's heir had serious
thoughts of marrying the lady whom he loved he withdrew at once from "How is it now between you and her?" That was the question which the
Duke put to his son as soon as he had closed the door of the study. "So he is," said Mary. Whereupon the Duke kissed the two girls and
went his way,--showing that by this time he had adopted the one and
the proposed husband of the other into his heart. "It will be a good thing for him, I suppose."

"I do not know," said the Duke coldly.

"He is my cousin, and I have always been interested in his welfare." doctrine. Such being the case, the Duke's ill-will and hardness and
general severity would probably be enhanced by his interview with
his son. Tregear, therefore, thinking that nothing could be got by For two or three days after the first scene between the Duke and his
daughter,--that scene in which she was forbidden either to see or Duke. That no doubt would be straight,--and efficacious. The Duke
would not have allowed a boy of his to be a debtor to Lord Percival
"She ought to do as she is told," said the Duke, remembering how
obedient his Glencora had been. "Has he spoken to her?"

"I think not." "And especially so with Lady Mary?" This she said in her sweetest
possible tone, and with a most gracious smile.

"Especially so with Lady Mary," he replied. had availed in the case of his own wife. Before he had ever seen her
as Lady Glencora McCloskie she had been desirous of giving herself beautiful. And he could remember how his uncle, the late Duke, who
had seldom taken much trouble in merely human affairs, had said a
word or two--"I have heard a whisper about you and Lady Glencora not prevailed. And in her case had not the opposition which had been
made to her wishes been most fortunate? That young person had become
his wife, his Glencora, his Duchess. Had she been allowed to have her anxious that he should marry Lady Mary Palliser, though so anxious
also that something of his love should remain with herself! She was
quite willing to convey that message,--if it might be done without connexion between Lady Cantrip and Lord Popplecourt, everybody there
was more or less connected with everybody else. Nidderdale had been a
first cousin of Lady Glencora, and he had married a daughter of Lady his superior? The reader will understand. It had been settled by
the wisdom of the elders that it would be a good thing that Lord
Popplecourt should marry Lady Mary Palliser. "Then the maiden should--in any class of life--be allowed to take the
man--that just suits her eye?" As he said this his mind was intent on
his Glencora and on Burgo Fitzgerald. you. But, luckily for me, the two assertions are capable of the
earliest and most direct proof. You will believe Lady Mary, and she
will confirm me in the one and the other." thought much about it, and had declared to himself that on no account
would he marry a woman for her money. Then he had encountered Lady
Mary Palliser. There had been no doubt, no resolution after that, and expressed a hope that Lady Mary would not be unwilling to spend
some time with the writer. Lady Cantrip's letter was long, and went
minutely into circumstances. If Lady Mary would come to her, she Lady Cantrip said, dropping the ceremonial prefix. Lady Mary of
course went out as she was bidden. Though everybody else knew it, no
idea of what was intended had yet come across her mind. our minds as to what had better be done. It is out of the question
that Lady Mary should be allowed to consider herself to be engaged,
and that the father should be kept in ignorance of her position." She upright, looking forward on the table, and taking his dinner as it
came to him. He had been put there in order that Lady Mary Palliser
might talk to him, and he regarded interference on the part of expressed her opinion that it would be a good thing that Mary should
be taken out. "She should begin to go somewhere," said Lady Cantrip.
And so it was decided. On the next Friday he would come down early in at first. I do not think that Lady Mary will bestow her heart till
she is sure she can give it with safety." There was an amount
of falsehood in this which was proof at any rate of very strong trouble," said Lady Mary. This child had a clear idea of what she
thought to be her own rights. Being the child of rich parents she
had the right to money. Being a woman she had a right to a husband. with the wonderful words that had been spoken to him. Could it be
that Lady Mary had fallen violently in love with him? He would not
at once give himself up to the pleasing idea, having so thoroughly Lady Mary had said. Why should the Duke of Omnium wish to meet her?
"Silverbridge will be here too," Mary had gone on to say. "It is just
There had been one lady, a very dear ally, staying in the house with
them when the Duchess died. This was Mrs. Finn, the wife of Phineas This was the woman whom he had prayed to remain awhile with his
daughter after his wife had been laid in her grave, in order that in London. When he did so Lady Mary at once asked whether she might
not be with him,--but he would not permit it. The house in London
would, he said, be more gloomy even than Matching. CHAPTER XLVI

Lady Mary's Dream yet two days longer. At dinner they all met,--the father, the three
children, and Mrs. Finn. How far the young people among themselves
had been able to throw off something of the gloom of death need not to ask if Lady Mary could see her. In all this there was considerable
embarrassment. She looked round at her guest, who had at once risen On the afternoon of the day after the funeral the Duke and his guest
met, almost for the first time since the sad event. There had been Then they went to lunch, and Lady Mary did find herself to be happy
with her new acquaintance. Her life since her mother's death had Lady Mary and Mrs. Finn were alone when the tidings came from
Silverbridge. The Duke had been absent, having gone to spend an got up very slowly from her seat, and very slowly crept away to the
door. Then she looked round as though expecting the others to follow
her. None of them did follow her. Mary felt that she ought to do so; In all this she half-confided her thoughts and her prospects to her
old friend, Miss Cassewary. "That girl has gone at last," she said to
Miss Cass. that Mrs. Finn should go with her. And as she had sunk, and then
despaired, and then died, it was this woman who had always been at The next day Lady Mary could not leave her bed; and the Duke in his
sorrow was obliged to apply to Mrs. Finn. After what had passed on on such an occasion were bound to show themselves, as members of the
family. With them and his two sons the Duke walked across to the
graveyard, and then walked back; but even to those who stayed the It was therefore a matter of course that these should-be lovers would
be sent out of the room together. "You'll give your arm to Mary," Lady Cantrip said, dropping the ceremonial prefix. Lady Mary of
course went out as she was bidden. Though everybody else knew it, no
idea of what was intended had yet come across her mind. you," he said, rising from his chair. "Perhaps you will see her again
this afternoon." Of course she assented, and, as the interview had
taken place in his rooms, she took her leave. Miss Cassewary followed them quickly. Then came the Finns, and with
them Barrington Erle. Lord Silverbridge was the last. He arrived by a "So he is," said Mary. Whereupon the Duke kissed the two girls and
went his way,--showing that by this time he had adopted the one and
the proposed husband of the other into his heart. settled,' I replied. Then he turned away from me and remained silent.
'May I see Lady Mary?' I asked. 'Yes; you may see her,' he replied,
"What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" Thrice within the next three weeks did Lord Silverbridge go forth
to ask Mabel to be his wife, but thrice in vain. On one occasion "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I think you are--"

"Stop, stop. Do not say it." of 'em. I put it to Lord Silverbridge to say whether I'm that sort of
fellow." Then he sat down. "You should answer my question, Lord Silverbridge. It is surely one
which I have a right to ask." Then she stood waiting for his reply, "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the She sat down and took one of his hands within her own. Then, as he
did not begin at once, she asked a question. "Will Silverbridge stand
for the county, papa?"

"No, my dear." "I was so sorry, Lord Silverbridge," said Sir Timothy, "that you
could not accede to our little request."

"I did not quite see my way," said Silverbridge, with his eye upon
Isabel. "I dare say she would consent,--if it were all serene. Why should she
not? Do not try her too hard, Lord Silverbridge. You say you love
her."

"I do, indeed." "Now we've been round the haycocks, and really, Lord Silverbridge, I
don't think we have gained much by it. Those forced marches never do
any good." And so they parted. sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; Silverbridge had thought very much of somebody. He was quite aware
that he had almost made an offer to Lady Mabel. She certainly had not "It is hardly the same thing, Frank. Of course, there is not a girl
in London to whom Lord Silverbridge would not be the best match that
she could make. He has the choice of us all." her." Silverbridge looked up into his father's face with beseeching
imploring eyes as though everything now depended on the next few
words that he might utter. "I shall think it an unwise marriage," Then on a sudden she got up and put her hand on his arm. "Come and
take a turn with me," she said. "Lord Silverbridge, do you remember
anything of last night?"

"Remember!" ladies. "We won't have either Mr. L. or Lord P." Not a word was said
about Lord Silverbridge. There was not even an initial to indicate
his name. continued the Duke. Silverbridge when he heard this at once knew that
he had gained his cause. His father had spoken of the marriage as a
thing that was to happen. A joyous light dawned in his eyes, and the "If there were I should not talk about it," said Lord Silverbridge.

"You are a very innocent young gentleman."

"And you are a very interesting young lady." "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge."
"Lord Silverbridge!"

"I do. I do. Can you say that you will love me in return?" "What can it be?"

"Your brother has asked me to be his wife."

"Silverbridge!"

"Yes;--Lord Silverbridge. You are astonished." "I dare say she would consent,--if it were all serene. Why should she
not? Do not try her too hard, Lord Silverbridge. You say you love
her."

"I do, indeed." "Lord Silverbridge! But we know that in certain employments all
things are fair." He looked at her not knowing what were the continued the Duke. Silverbridge when he heard this at once knew that
he had gained his cause. His father had spoken of the marriage as a
thing that was to happen. A joyous light dawned in his eyes, and the "Yes;--my wife. And now I think you will see that nothing further can
be said about this matter."

"Duchess of Omnium!"

"She will be Lady Silverbridge." around her,--you shall have her. And I shall rejoice to give her to
you,--not because you are Lord Silverbridge, not because of your rank
and wealth; but because you are--that individual human being whom I Silverbridge must enter in upon his share of the trouble. He did not
know that in saying all this he was offering his son as a husband
to Lady Mabel, but she understood it as thoroughly as though he had Silverbridge then went up to see his sister. "So you have settled
your little business, Mary?"

"Oh, Silverbridge, you will wish me joy?"

"Certainly. Why not?" sister," Tregear had said; "do you object?" Lord Silverbridge was the
weaker of the two, and much subject to the influence of his friend; "It is hardly the same thing, Frank. Of course, there is not a girl
in London to whom Lord Silverbridge would not be the best match that
she could make. He has the choice of us all." "But I do. Suppose I were to say the other thing. Oh, Lord
Silverbridge, you do me so much honour! And now I come to think about In truth Mabel had sent for Lord Silverbridge, and this had been her
letter:


   DEAR LORD SILVERBRIDGE, After a minute's pause Silverbridge resolved that he would be
magnanimous. "Miss Boncassen is going to be my wife," he said.

"Your wife!" should she at the end of three months accept his offer. She was quite
aware that Lord Silverbridge need not repeat the offer unless he
were so pleased. But she thought that he would come again. He had so "Perhaps Silverbridge might admire her."

"I have no doubt he would,--or does, for I am aware that they have
met. But why should he not admire her?" "Lord Silverbridge!"

"I think you are--"

"Stop, stop. Do not say it." "You should answer my question, Lord Silverbridge. It is surely one
which I have a right to ask." Then she stood waiting for his reply, "I think nothing of the sort."

"Yes, Silverbridge, you do. You have said to yourself this;--That
girl has determined to get me, and she has not scrupled as to how she
would do it." "I can understand that. But is it not joyful that it should all be
settled? Only poor Lady Mabel! You have got no Lady Mabel to trouble
your conscience." From which it was evident that Silverbridge had not
told all.
Cambridge undergraduate should go to the Derby as that a Member
of Parliament should do so. Against this three or four rigid
disciplinarians had raised their voices,--and as a result, no young spent more money than he ought to have done, and now at this very
moment must ask for a large sum. And he had brought Gerald up to see
the Derby, thereby causing him to be sent away from Cambridge! And been expelled from Cambridge, and Silverbridge was on the turf in
conjunction with Major Tifto! Something, too, had oozed out into
general ears about Lady Mary,--something which should have been expelled. His face fell, and he stood before his father almost like a
culprit. "We might as well have it out about this racing," continued
the Duke. "Something has to be said about it. You have lost an House of Commons were to be seen at the Derby; but no doubt there
were many rascals and fools, and he could not associate with the "He had asked permission to go to the Derby and had been positively
refused. Did you know that?" the college authorities that his name had better be taken off the
college books,--all which had been cause of very great sorrow to
the Duke. The other boy was to go to Cambridge; but his father had CHAPTER XVII

The Derby The doors of Trinity were closed against him. But some interest had
been made in his favour, and he was to be transferred to Oxford. All
the truth had been told, and there had been a feeling that the lad Member of Parliament they at present only knew that he had been sent
away from Oxford,--not so very long ago,--for painting the Dean's
house scarlet. The speech was not very brilliant. He told them from Oxford, and he counselled moderation. Gerald should see the
Derby, but should not encounter that heaviest wrath of all which
comes from a man's not sleeping beneath his college roof. There was popular at Trinity as his brother had been at Christ Church. It was
to him quite a matter of course that he should see his brother's
horse run for the Derby. But, unfortunately, in this very year a "I fear so, sir."

"He has profited by your example at Oxford. Did you persuade him to
come to these races?"

"I am afraid I did." must be explained somewhat at length. Lord Gerald Palliser, the
Duke's second son, was at this time at Cambridge,--being almost as Jockey Club thinks. The Master of our Hunt has been banished from
racecourses." Here there was considerable opposition, and a few short
but excited little dialogues were maintained;--throughout all which world. On the Derby Day he had won a large sum of money, which had
been to him at the time a matter of intense delight,--for he was "He used to be good-natured. Now he has taken ever so many crotchets
into his head. It was he who began all this about none of the men
going to the Derby." Derby, the most injurious and most deplorable event in the day's
history had not occurred yet. Dinner had been ordered at the
Beargarden at seven,--an hour earlier than would have been named had Newmarket, via Cambridge and Peterborough. Tifto, Silverbridge,
and Mr. Pook visited him together three times that afternoon and
evening;--and the Captain also visited the horse, though not in the same evening, so as to take his drag down to the Oaks on the
Friday,--a duty from which even his present misery would not deter
him. They reached Cambridge at about three, and Lord Silverbridge at
Tregear. I was at school with him;--and I tell you, that you can't
find a better fellow anywhere than Frank Tregear." Then he sat down, CHAPTER XXIII

Frank Tregear Wants a Friend "Mr. Tregear! Frank Tregear!"

"I'm told he has been hit very heavy. I hope he's not a friend of
yours, Lady Mabel." of such a moment as this, and a few words had occurred to him. "My
friend Frank Tregear," he began, rushing at once at his subject, "is Frank Tregear, having been known by the family as a boy, was Frank
to all of them,--as was Lady Mabel, Mabel to him, somewhat to the much because she is a foreigner." Then just as she said this the door
was opened and Frank Tregear was announced. "You might as well tell me all about it. We are cousins, you know."
Frank Tregear, through his mother's family, was second cousin to Lady "Friends! Frank Tregear, I have been bold enough to tell you I love
you; but you are not my friend, and cannot be my friend. If I have "Lady Mabel Grex. She is daughter of Lord Grex. That man with her
is my particular friend. His name is Frank Tregear, and they are
cousins."

"I am so glad they are cousins." "Certainly I like Tregear. He is the friend, among men, whom I like
the best. I have only two real friends."

"Who are they?" she asked, sinking her voice very low. Frank Tregear had come up to town at the end of February. He remained
in London, with an understanding that he was not to see Lady Mary his house the Duke had thought nothing; but the other sojourner had
thought very much of the Duke. Frank Tregear was fully possessed of
that courage which induces a man who knows that he must be thrown "Yes he did. You have heard of all that. Tregear told you."

"He told me something."

"Of course my father does not like it." was already gone from her. Frank Tregear at any rate knew where her
heart had been given. Frank Tregear knew that having lost her heart
to one man she was anxious to marry another. He knew that she was objections to Tregear. He had not at first been admitted into
confidence, either by his sister or by Tregear, but had questioned
his friend when he saw what was going on. "Certainly I love your his Grace was fatigued, but would see Mr. Tregear if the matter in
question was one of importance. Frank's heart quailed for a moment, in his friend's favour. "Of course I should be glad to see it," he
had said while sitting by Tregear's bedside. "The worst is that
everything does seem to go against the poor governor." certain Mr. Tregear,--Francis Oliphant Tregear. The Duchess, who had
been in constant correspondence with her friend, had asked questions There had been objections raised to any intimacy with Frank Tregear;
but all that was now nearly two years since. He had been assured over there explained the cause of his intended journey. The member for
Polpenno had died, and Frank Tregear had been invited to stand for
the borough. He had written to his friend to ask him to come and
"There shall be an end to that, sir."

"God bless you, my boy!" said the Duke. "Well, yes;--the Duke is very kind."

"Don't you think--?"

"Eh!"

"You have heard of her mother's fortune?" "So he is," said Mary. Whereupon the Duke kissed the two girls and
went his way,--showing that by this time he had adopted the one and
the proposed husband of the other into his heart. "I knew that I loved her. What is a man to do when he feels like
that? Of course I meant to tell you." The Duke was now looking very
black. "I thought you liked her, sir." himself is so acceptable and well-behaved." That was her idea, and
with that she would have indoctrined the Duke had she been able. But circumstanced, that if her happiness depended on marrying a poor
man, want of money need not prevent it." The Duke suspecting nothing,
believing this to be a not unnatural expression of maternal interest, is true enough." This was not encouraging, but as the Duke went on
reading, Mabel did not think it necessary to argue the matter. He had
to read the last paragraph twice before he understood it. He did read "I should be glad to see you marry early," said the Duke, speaking
in a low voice, almost solemnly, but in his quietest, sweetest tone For two or three days after the first scene between the Duke and his
daughter,--that scene in which she was forbidden either to see or far as I can see we all feel that we could not get along very well
without him." Upon the whole the Duke was pleased with what he heard
from his son. The young man's ideas about politics were boyish, but "What makes you fancy that?" said the Duke, striving to conceal
by his manner, but not altogether successful in concealing, the
gratification which he certainly felt. "Hardly that. He may put impediments in the way; and the Duke will
do so. But if I am happy enough to have won the affections of his "My dear," said the Duke, rising up and coming to her, "I am very
glad to see you. It is good of you to come to me." Then he took her "Quite so, my Lord Duke. I hope you think that Silverbridge is
looking well?"

"Yes;--yes. I think so." "Quite aware. I believe I may say that if other things go straight,
she will consent."

"And your father--the Duke?"

"He knows nothing about it,--as yet." "Well, sir," said Silverbridge to the Duke when they were out
together in the park that afternoon, "what do you think about him?"

"I think he is a manly young man." continued the Duke. Silverbridge when he heard this at once knew that
he had gained his cause. His father had spoken of the marriage as a
thing that was to happen. A joyous light dawned in his eyes, and the "Surely we ought to listen to him," said the Duke. And for a short
time they did listen. "Sir Timothy is not a man I like, you know," "What I have seen of her personally recommends her to me," said the
Duke. "Some girls are fools--"

"That's quite true, sir." The Duke, who had again seated himself, and was leaning back in his
chair, raised himself up, placed his hands on the table before him,
What is her husband Duke of Omnium left to deal with? What did Lady Glencora do before she died? Who insists that the Duke be informed of Mary's courtship? What wish of his father's does Lord Silverbridge follow? Who had Lord Silverbridge proposed to but was turned down by? Who does Lord Silverbridge fall in love with? On what condition does Isabel agree to marry Lord Silverbridge? What does Gerald, the youngest son of the Duke do? What does the Duke allow? What is the title of Plantagenet Palliser? What was the Duke of Omnium's political position before the government fell? What was the Duke of Omnium's wife's name? Who was Lady Glencora's closest confidant? To Whom did Lady Glencora give her blessing that her daughter could court? What does Mrs. Finn insist that the Duke of Omnium must be told of?  Who wished that Lord Silverbridge enter parliament? Who refused Lord Silverbridge's perposal? What American heiress did Lord Silverbridge fall in love with? How did Gerald get expelled from Cambridge? Who dies and leaves the Duke to deal with his children? What has happened to the government that the Duke is a part of? Who is the Duke's older son and heir? Who was Mary given the blessing of Lady Glencora to marry? Who remains after the funeral as a chaperone for Mary? Who turned down Lord Silverbridge when he proposed? Who does accept the proposal of Lord Silverbridge? Who was expelled from Cambridge after attending the derby? Who is Frank Tregear a friend of? What does the Duke end up approving of?
His grownup children who he is somewhat distant with. His grownup children. 
She secretly blessed her the courtship of her daughter Mary and a poor man. Given her approval to a relationship between Mary and Frank Tregear
Mrs. Finn, Lady Glencora's closest confidante. Mrs. Finn
Entering Parliarment. He went into Parliament.
Lady Mabel Grex. Lady Mabel Grex
American heiress Isabel Boncassen. Isabel Boncassen
That the Duke will welcome her into the family. She agrees to marry him if the Duke approves.
Gets himself expelled from Cambridge. Gets expelled from Cambridge. 
The marriage of both his children, Mary and Lord Silverbridge. He allows the engagements of his son and daughter.
Duke of Omnium Duke of Omnium.
Prime Minister Prime Minister 
Lady Glencora Lady Glencora
Mrs. Finn. Mrs. Finn
Frank Tregear Frank Tregear
The seriousness of the relationship between Mary and Frank. The relationship between Mary and Frank Tregear.
His father, Duke of Omnium The Duke of Omnium.
Lady Mabel Grex Lady Mabel Grex
Isabel Boncassen Isabel Boncassen
From going to the Darby without permission. He went to a Derby without permission
Lady Glencora Lady Glencora.
It has collapsed It falls.
Lord Silverbridge Lord Silverbridge
Frank Tregear Frank Tregear. 
Mrs. Finn Mrs. Finn.
Lady Mabel Grex Lady Mabel Grex
Isabel Boncassen Isabel Boncassen
Gerald Gerald.
Lord Silverbridge Lord Silverbridge.
His children's engagements Both his son and daughters engagements. 