Even the Earl,
when Miss Cassewary hinted at the matter to him, grunted an
assent. Lady Mabel had already refused one or two not ineligible
offers, and it was necessary that something should be done. There
had been at one time a fear in Miss Cassewary's bosom lest her
charge should fall too deeply in love with Frank Tregear,--but Miss
Cassewary knew that whatever danger there might have been in that
respect had passed away. Frank was willing to talk to her, while
Mabel and Lord Silverbridge were in a corner together.
'I shall be on tenterhooks now till I know how it is to be at
Silverbridge,' said the young lady.
'It is very good of you to feel so much interest.'
'Of course I feel an interest. Are you not one of us? When is to
be?'
'They say that the elections will be over before the Derby.'
'And which do you care for the most?'
'I should like to pull off the Derby, I own.'
'From what papa says, I should think the other event is more
probable.'
'Doesn't the Earl stand to win on Prime Minister?'
'I never know anything about his betting.
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