This young man did in fact ask me to be
his wife. Of course I meant to accept him,--but I didn't. Then
comes this convict's granddaughter.'
'Not a convict's!'
'You know what I mean. Had he been a convict it would have been
all the same. I take upon myself to say that, had the world been
informed that an alliance had been arranged between the eldest son
of the Duke of Omnium and the daughter of Earl Grex,--the world
would have been satisfied. Every unmarried daughter of every peer
in England would have envied me,--but it would have been comme il
faut.'
'Certainly, my dear.'
'But what would be the feeling as to the convict's granddaughter?'
'You don't suppose that I would approve it;--but it seems to me
that in these days young men do just as they please.'
'He shall do what he pleases, but he must be made to be pleased
with me.' So much she said to Miss Cassewary; but she did not
divulge any plan. The Boncassens had just gone off to the station,
and Silverbridge was out shooting. If anything could be done here
at Matching, it must be done quickly, as Silverbridge would soon
take his departure.
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