"Have you spoken to her?"
"Well;—yes, in part. She has not accepted me, if you mean that. Rather the contrary." Now the Duke would have been very unwilling to say that his son would certainly be accepted by any girl in England to whom he might choose to offer his hand. But when the idea of a doubt was suggested to him, it did seem odd that his son should ask in vain. What other young man was there who could offer so much, and who was at the same time so likely to be loved for his own sake? He smiled however and was silent. "I suppose I may as well out with it," continued Silverbridge. "You know Lady Mabel Grex?"
"Lady Mabel Grex? Yes;—I know her."
"Is there any objection?"
"Is she not your senior?"
"No, sir; no; she is younger than I am."
"Her father is not a man I esteem."
"But she has always been so good!" Then the Duke was again silent. "Have you not heard that, sir?"
"I think I have."
"Is not that a great deal?"