After that he could hardly
venture to persevere again--here at Custins. He weighed it over in
his mind for a long time, almost coming to a resolution in favour
of hard drink. He had never felt anything like this before. He was
so uncomfortable that he couldn't eat his luncheon, though in
accordance with his usual habit he had breakfasted off soda-and-
brandy and a morsel of devilled toast. He did not know himself in
his changed character. 'I wonder whether she understands that I
have four thousand pounds a year of my own, and shall have twelve
thousand pounds more when my governor goes! She was so headstrong
that it was impossible to explain anything to her.'
'I'm off to London,' he said to Popplecourt that afternoon.
'Nonsense! You said you'd stay for ten days.'
'All the same, I'm going at once. I've sent to Bridport for a
trap, and I shall sleep tonight at Dorchester.'
'What's the meaning of it all?'
'I've had some words with somebody. Don't mind asking any more.'
'Not with the Duke?'
'The Duke? No; I haven't spoken to him.
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