But justice would not be done him
unless it were acknowledged that he had as yet flattered himself
with no hopes in regard to Lady Mary Palliser. He, when he
prepared himself for his journey down to Richmond, thought much
more of the Duke than of the Duke's daughter.
'Oh yes, I can drive you down if you like that kind of thing,'
Silverbridge said to him on the Saturday evening.
'And bring me back?'
'If you will come when I am coming. I hate waiting for a fellow.'
'Suppose we leave at half-past ten.'
'I won't fix any time; but if we can't make it suit there'll be
the governor's carriage.'
'Will the Duke go down in his own carriage?'
'I suppose so. it's quicker and less trouble than the railway.'
Then Lord Popplecourt reflected that he would certainly come back
with the Duke if he could so manage it, and there floated before
his eyes visions of under-secretaryships, all which might own
their origin to this proposed drive from Richmond.
At six o'clock on the Sunday evening Silverbridge called for Lord
Popplecourt. 'Upon my word,' said he, 'I didn't ever expect to see
you in my cab.
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