‘A passage to what?’
‘Ah! that is a question the wisest cannot answer.’
‘But into which the weakest, among whom I class myself, have surely a right to inquire.’
‘Unquestionably; and I know nothing that will tend more to assist you in your researches than acting with practical men.’
‘And practising all their blunders,’ said Lord Montacute. ‘I can conceive an individual who has once been entrapped into their haphazard courses, continuing in the fatal confusion to which he has contributed his quota; but I am at least free, and I wish to continue so.’
‘And do nothing?’
‘But does it follow that a man is infirm of action because he declines fighting in the dark?’
‘And how would you act, then? What are your plans? Have you any?’
‘I have.’
‘Well, that is satisfactory,’ said the duke, with animation. ‘Whatever they are, you know you may count upon my doing everything that is possible to forward your wishes. I know they cannot be unworthy ones, for I believe, my child, you are incapable of a thought that is not good or great.’