Nevertheless he did not wish
to introduce his friend to his father. The Duke saw it all at a
glance, and felt that the introduction should be made. 'Perhaps,'
said he, getting up from his chair, 'this is Major Tifto.'
'Yes;--my Lord Duke. I am Major Tifto.'
The Duke bowed graciously. 'My father and I were engaged about
private matters.'
'I beg ten thousand pardons,' exclaimed the Major. 'I did not
intend to intrude.'
'I think we had done,' said the Duke. 'Pray sit down, Major
Tifto.' The Major sat down. 'Though now I bethink myself, I have
to beg your pardon;--that I a stranger should ask you to sit down
in your own club.'
'Don't mention it, my Lord Duke.'
'I am so unused to clubs, that I forgot where I was.'
'Quite so, my Lord Duke. I hope you think that Silverbridge is
looking well?'
'Yes;--yes. I think so.' Silverbridge bit his lips, and turned his
face away to the door.
'We didn't make a very good thing of our Derby nag the other day.
Perhaps your Grace has heard all that?'
'I did hear that the horse in which you are both interested had
failed to win the race.
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