And then the very
altitude of the great Statesman whom he was invited to befriend,--
the position of this Duke who had been so powerful and might be
powerful again, was against any such interference. Of himself he
might be sure that he would certainly done this as readily for any
Mr Jones as for the Duke of Omnium; but were he to do it, it would
be said of him that it had been done because the benevolence would
seem to be self-seeking. 'Your father, if he were here,' said he,
'would know that I could not interfere.'
'And will he be sent down?'
'I do not know all the circumstances. From your own showing the
case seems to be one of great insubordination. To tell the truth,
Lord Silverbridge, I ought not to have spoken to you on the
subject at all.'
'You mean that I should not have spoken to you.'
'Well; I did not say so. And if you had been indiscreet I can
pardon that. I wish I could have served you; but I fear that it is
not in my power.' Then Lord Silverbridge took his leave, and
going to his brother's rooms waited there till Lord Gerald
returned from his interview with the tutor.
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