'He has been speaking to me-' When the Duke had got so far as this
he paused, finding himself hardly able to declare the disgrace
which had fallen upon himself and his family. As he did tell the
story, both his face and his voice was altered, so that the son,
in truth, was scared. 'He has been speaking to me about your
sister. Did you know of this?'
'I knew there was something between them.'
'And you encouraged it?'
'No, sir; just the contrary. I have told him that I was quite sure
it would never do.'
'And why did you not tell me?'
'Well, sir; it was hardly my business, was it?'
'Not to guard the honour of your sister?'
'You see, sir; so many things have happened all at once.'
'What things?'
'My dear mother, sir, thought well of him.' The Duke uttered a
deep sigh, and turned round to the fire. 'I always told him you
would never consent.'
'I should think not.'
'It has come so suddenly. I should have spoken to you about it as
soon as--as soon-' He had meant to say as soon as the husband's
grief for the loss of his wife had been in some degree appeased,
but could not speak the words.
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