"You will only have to try to succeed in doing it, I am sure, my dear Gerald."
"A true mother's view of the matter."
"I know you better than most people, perhaps."
"You are not capable of giving an opinion on the matter, I see. Your affection blinds you, but I forgive you."
"Leave the matter to me, Gerald. Only consent to be guided by me, and see if I don't conduct the affair to a successful termination."
"Do you know that one would take you for an inveterate match-maker if one didn't know you," said Gerald, gaily. "But all mothers are alike in one respect, when their children's interests are at stake they become positive tigresses and lionesses. Very well, whatever your will may be I resign myself to it blindly."
"My dear, good Gerald," cried the delighted duchess, positively weeping with joy; "you cannot imagine how happy you have made me. That wretched Macreuse will die of spite."
"That is so, mother. I shall give him the jaundice instead of the sword-thrust he would have declined to take."
"Now, Gerald, let us talk the matter over sensibly."
"So be it. I am listening."