She was not habitually a hypocrite, and she hated herself for what
she was doing, and yet her object was simply good,--to bring
together two young people who might advantageously marry each
other. The mere talking about the old woman would be of no
service. She longed to bring out the offer plainly, and say,
'There is Lady Mary Palliser. Don't you think she'd make a good
wife for you?' But she could not, as yet, bring herself to be so
indelicately plain. 'You haven't seen the Duke since?' she asked.
'He spoke to me only yesterday in the House. I like the Duke.'
'If I may be allowed to say so, it would be to your advantage that
he should like you;--that is, if you mean to take a part in
politics.'
'I suppose I shall,' said Popplecourt. 'There isn't much else to
do.'
'You don't go to races.' He shook his head. 'I am glad of that,'
said Lady Cantrip. 'Nothing so bad as the turf. I fear Lord
Silverbridge is devoting himself to the turf.'
'I don't think it can be good for any man to have much to do with
Major Tifto. I suppose Silverbridge knows what he is about.
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