He was quite aware
that he had almost made an offer to Lady Mabel. She certainly had
not given him any encouragement; but the very fact that she had
not done so allured him all the more. He did believe that he was
thoroughly in love with Lady Mabel. She had told him that he was
too young,--but he was older than Lady Mab herself by a week. She
was beautiful;--that was certain. It was acknowledged by all that
she was clever. As for blood, of which he believed his father
thought much, there was perhaps none better in England. He had
heard it said of her,--as he now well remembered, in his father's
presence,--that she had behaved remarkably well in trying
circumstances. She had no fortune;--everybody knew that; but then
he did not want fortune. Would not this be a good opportunity for
breaking the matter to his father? 'You have never thought of any
one?' asked the Duke,--again very sweetly, very softly.
'But I have!' Lord Silverbridge as he made the announcement
blushed up to the eyes.
Then there came over the father something almost of fear.
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