"Nothing can alter it. He might die, indeed;—or so might I."
"Or he might see that it is no good,—and change his mind," suggested Silverbridge.
"Of course that is possible," said Lady Mary very curtly,—showing plainly by her manner that the subject was one which she did not choose to discuss any further.
"It is very good of you to come to me," said Lady Mabel, kissing her new acquaintance. "I have heard so much about you."
"And I also of you."
"I, you know, am one of your brother's stern Mentors. There are three or four of us determined to make him a pattern young legislator. Miss Cassewary is another. Only she is not quite so stern as I am."
"He ought to be very much obliged."
"But he is not,—not a bit. Are you, Lord Silverbridge?"
"Not so much as I ought to be, perhaps."
"Of course there is an opposing force. There are the race-horses, and the drag, and Major Tifto. No doubt you have heard of Major Tifto. The Major is the Mr. Worldly-Wiseman who won't let Christian go to the Strait Gate. I am afraid he hasn't read his Pilgrim's Progress. But we shall prevail, Lady Mary, and he will get to the beautiful city at last."