Should the Duke give her any opportunity she would take
a very short time in letting him know what was the extent of her
ambition.
CHAPTER LV
Lord Chiltern at Saulsby
Lord Chiltern did exactly as he said he would do. He wrote to his
father as he passed through Carlisle, and at once went on to his
hunting at Willingford. But his letter was very stiff and ungainly,
and it may be doubted whether Miss Effingham was not wrong in
refusing the offer which he had made to her as to the dictation of
it. He began his letter, "My Lord," and did not much improve the
style as he went on with it. The reader may as well see the whole
letter;--
Railway Hotel, Carlisle,
December 27, 186--.
MY LORD,
I am now on my way from Loughlinter to London, and write
this letter to you in compliance with a promise made by
me to my sister and to Miss Effingham. I have asked Violet
to be my wife, and she has accepted me, and they think
that you will be pleased to hear that this has been done.
I shall be, of course, obliged, if you will instruct Mr.
Edwards to let me know what you would propose to do in
regard to settlements. Laura thinks that you will wish to
see both Violet and myself at Saulsby. For myself, I can
only say that, should you desire me to come, I will do
so on receiving your assurance that I shall be treated
neither with fatted calves nor with reproaches.
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