"But still all this is a sorrow to me. When however he put that question to me about the world around her,—as to those among whom her lot would be cast, I could not say that I thought she would be rejected."
"Oh no!" The idea of rejecting Isabel!
"She has a brightness and a grace all her own," continued the Duke, "which will ensure her acceptance in all societies."
"Yes, yes;—it is just that, sir."
"You will be a nine days' wonder,—the foolish young nobleman who chose to marry an American."
"I think it will be just the other way up, sir,—among the men."
"But her place will I think be secure to her. That is what I told Mr. Boncassen."
"It is all right with him then,—now?"
"If you call it all right. You will understand of course that you are acting in opposition to my advice,—and my wishes."
"What am I to say, sir?" exclaimed Silverbridge, almost in despair. "When I love the girl better than my life, and when you tell me that she can be mine if I choose to take her; when I have asked her to be my wife, and have got her to say that she likes me; when her father has given way, and all the rest of it, would it be possible that I should say now that I will give her up?"