Then after a short pause she
changed the subject. 'Don't you think Lady Mary very beautiful?'
'Uncommon,' said his lordship.
'And her manners so perfect. She has all her mother's ease without
any of that--You know what I mean.'
'Quite so,' said his lordship.
'And then she has got so much in her.'
'Has she though?'
'I don't know of any girl her age so thoroughly well educated. The
Duke seems to take to you.'
'Well yes;--the Duke is very kind.'
'Don't you think-?'
'Eh!'
'You have heard of her mother's fortune?'
'Tremendous!'
'She will have, I take it, quite a third of it. Whatever I say I'm
sure you will take in confidence; but she is a dear girl; and I am
anxious for her happiness almost as though she belonged to me.'
Lord Popplecourt went back into town in the Duke's carriage, but
was unable to say a word about politics. His mind was altogether
filled with the wonderful words that had been spoken to him. Could
it be that Lady Mary had fallen violently in love with him? He
would not at once give himself up to the pleasing idea, having so
thoroughly grounded himself in the belief that female nets were to
be avoided.
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