In all that she says to me
there is the same spirit. If she is firm, Duke, you must yield.'
'Never! She shall never marry him with my sanction.'
There was nothing more to be said, and Lady Cantrip went her way.
But the Duke, though he could say nothing more, continued to think
of it hour after hour. He went down to the House of Lords to
listen to a debate in which it was intended to cover the ministers
with heavy disgrace. But the Duke could not listen even to his own
friends. He could listen to nothing as he thought of the condition
of his children.
He had been asked whether he could bear to see his girl suffer, as
though he were indifferent to the sufferings of his child. Did he
not know of himself that there was no father who would do more for
the welfare of his daughter? Was he not sure of the tenderness of
his own heart? In all that he was doing was he governed by
anything but a sense of duty? Was it personal pride or love of
personal aggrandisement? He thought that he could assure himself
that he was open to no such charge.
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