'
'I understand all that.'
'I have been very anxious about it, and have even gone so far as
to make some preparations for what I had hoped would be your early
marriage.'
'Preparations!' exclaimed Silverbridge, thinking of church bells,
bride cake, and wedding presents.
'As to the property. I am anxious that you should enjoy all the
settled independence which can belong to an English gentleman. I
never plough or sow. I know no more of sheep and bulls than of the
extinct animals of earlier ages. I would not have it so with you.
I would fain see you surrounded by those things which ought to
interest a nobleman in this country. Why is it all over with Lady
Mabel Grex?'
The young man looked imploringly at his father, as though
earnestly begging that nothing more might be said about Mabel. 'I
had changed my mind before I found out that she was really in love
with me!' He could not say that. He could not hint that he might
still have Mabel if he would. The only thing for him was to tell
everything about Isabel Boncassen. He felt that in doing this he
must begin with himself.
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