The four met in her Grace's boudoir, and the Duke began by declaring that all this was very sad. Lord Augustus shook his head and put his hands in his trousers pockets,—which was as much as to say that his feelings as a British parent were almost too strong for him. "Your mother and I think, that something ought to be done," said the Duke turning to his son.
"Something ought to be done," said Lord Mistletoe.
"They won't let a fellow go out with a fellow now," said Lord Augustus.
"Heaven forbid!" said the Duchess, raising both her hands.
"I was thinking, Mistletoe, that your mother might have met Lady Penwether."
"What could I do with Lady Penwether, Duke? Or what could she do with him? A man won't care for what his sister says to him. And I don't suppose she'd undertake to speak to Lord Rufford on the subject."
"Lady Penwether is an honourable and an accomplished woman."
"I dare say;—though she gives herself abominable airs."
"Of course, if you don't like it, my dear, it shan't be pressed."
"I thought, perhaps, you'd see him yourself," said Lord Augustus, turning to his brother. "You'd carry more weight than anybody."