'
'A little warm;--but that was to be expected. A gentleman never
likes to be interfered with on such a matter.'
'The position was and is difficult, Mrs Finn.'
'And I am bound to acknowledge the very ready way in which you did
what I asked you to do.'
'And now, Mrs Finn, what is to come next?'
'Ah!'
'Something must be done! You know of course that the Duke did not
receive me with any great favour.'
'I did not suppose he would.'
'Nor did I. Of course he would object to such a marriage. But a
man in these days cannot dictate to his daughter what husband she
should marry.'
'Perhaps he can dictate to her what husband she shall not marry.'
'Hardly that. He may put impediments in the way; and the Duke will
do so. But if I am happy enough to have won the affection of his
daughter,--so as to make it essential to her happiness that she
should become my wife,--he will give way.'
'What am I to say, Mr Tregear?'
'Just what you think.'
'Why should I be made to say what I think on so delicate a matter?
Or of what use would by my thoughts? Remember how far I am
removed from her.
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