It was so important that Silverbridge
should marry and thus he kept from further follies! And it was so
momentous to the fortunes of the Palliser family generally that he
should marry well! In thinking so it did not occur to him that
the granddaughter of an American labourer might be offered to him.
A young lady fit to be the Duchess of Omnium was not to be found
everywhere. But this girl, he thought as he saw her walking
briskly and strongly through the snow, with every mark of health
about her, with every sign of high breeding, very beautiful,
exquisite in manner, gracious as a goddess, was fit to be a
Duchess! Silverbridge at this moment was walking close to her
side,--in good looks, in gracious manner, in high breeding her
equal,--in worldly gifts infinitely her superior. Surely she would
not despise him! Silverbridge at the moment was expressing a hope
that the sermon would not be very long.
After lunch Mabel came suddenly behind the chair on which
Silverbridge was sitting and asked him to take a walk with her.
Was she not afraid of the snow? 'Perhaps you are,' she said
laughing.
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