'I suppose you never see Lord —— now?' said Lady Annabel, mentioning his late guardian. There was, as Cadurcis fancied, some sarcasm in the question, though not in the tone in which it was asked.
'No, I never see him,' his lordship answered firmly; 'we differ in our opinions, and I differ from him with regret; but I differ from a sense of duty, and therefore I have no alternative.'
'The claims of duty are of course paramount,' observed Lady Annabel.
'You know my cousin?' said Cadurcis, to turn the conversation.
'Yes, and I like him much; he appears to be a sensible, amiable person, of excellent principles.'
'I am not bound to admire George's principles,' said Lord Cadurcis, gaily; 'but I respect them, because I know that they are conscientious. I love George; he is my only relation, and he is my friend.'
'I trust he will always be your friend, for I think you will then, at least, know one person on whom you can depend.'
'I believe it. The friendships of the world are wind.'
'I am surprised to hear you say so,' said Lady Annabel.
'Why, Lady Annabel?'