"Ah! yes. I dare say Silverbridge has talked to you about him. I think he's a stuck-up sort of fellow." To this there was not a word of reply. "Where did your brother pick him up?"
"They were at Oxford together."
"I must say I think he gives himself airs;—because, you know, he's nobody."
"I don't know anything of the kind," said Lady Mary, becoming very red. "And as he is my brother's most particular friend,—his very friend of friends,—I think you had better not abuse him to me."
"I don't think the Duke is very fond of him."
"I don't care who is fond of him. I am very fond of Silverbridge, and I won't hear his friend ill-spoken of. I dare say he had some books with him. He is not at all the sort of a man to go to a place and satisfy himself with doing nothing but killing animals."
"Do you know him, Lady Mary?"
"I have seen him, and of course I have heard a great deal of him from Silverbridge. I would rather not talk any more about him."
"You seem to be very fond of Mr. Tregear," he said angrily.
"It is no business of yours, Lord Popplecourt, whether I am fond of anybody or not. I have told you that Mr. Tregear is my brother's friend, and that ought to be enough."