"
"And your friends?"
"My dear, I may venture to please myself in this,--as in everything.
Will you not answer me?"
"Certainly not on the spur of the moment, my lord. Think how high is
the position you offer me, and how immense is the change you propose
to me. Allow me two days, and I will answer you by letter. I am so
fluttered now that I must leave you." Then he came to her, took her
hand, kissed her brow, and opened the door for her.
CHAPTER LXI
Another Duel
It happened that there were at this time certain matters of business
to be settled between the Duke of Omnium and his nephew Mr. Palliser,
respecting which the latter called upon his uncle on the morning
after the Duke had committed himself by his offer. Mr. Palliser had
come by appointment made with Mr. Fothergill, the Duke's man of
business, and had expected to meet Mr. Fothergill. Mr. Fothergill,
however, was not with the Duke, and the uncle told the nephew that
the business had been postponed. Then Mr. Palliser asked some
question as to the reason of such postponement, not meaning much by
his question,--and the Duke, after a moment's hesitation, answered
him, meaning very much by his answer. "The truth is, Plantagenet,
that it is possible that I may marry, and if so this arrangement
would not suit me.
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