One thing he certainly
could not say,--just at present. After his folly with regard to
those heavy debts he could not at once risk his father's renewed
anger by proposing to him an American daughter-in-law. That must
stand over, at any rate till the girl had accepted him positively.
'I am afraid it won't come off, sir,' he said at last.
'Then I am to presume that you have changed your mind?'
'I told you when we were speaking that I was not confident.'
'She has not--'
'I can't explain it all, sir,--but I fear it won't come off.'
Then the Duke, who had been sitting, got up from his chair and
with his back to the fire made a final little speech. 'We decided
just now, Silverbridge, that nothing more should be said about
that unpleasant racing business, and nothing more shall be said by
me. But you must not be surprised if I am anxious to see you
settled in life. No young man could be more bound by duty to marry
early than you are. In the first place you have to repair the
injury done by my inaptitude for society. You have explained to me
that it is your duty to have the Barsetshire coverts properly
shot, and I have acceded to your views.
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