"Psha!—is that all? I could have told him that ever so long ago. It was hardly necessary that he should disturb himself at last to come and tell us such well-ventilated news. There isn't a porter at one of the clubs who doesn't know it."
"Then there will be the less surprise,—and to those who are concerned perhaps the less mortification."
"Did he tell you who was to succeed you?" asked the Duchess.
"Not precisely."
"He ought to have done that, as I am sure he knows. Everybody knows except you, Plantagenet."
"If you know, you can tell me."
"Of course, I can. It will be Mr. Monk."
"With all my heart, Glencora. Mr. Monk is a very good man."
"I wonder whether he'll do anything for us. Think how destitute we shall be! What if I were to ask him for a place! Would he not give it us?"
"Will it make you unhappy, Cora?"