'I have rather changed my mind, sir,' he
said, 'since we were walking together in London that night.'
'Have you quarrelled with Lady Mabel?'
'Oh dear no. I am very fond of Mabel;--only not just like that.'
'Not just like what?'
'I had better tell the whole truth at once.'
'Certainly tell the truth, Silverbridge. I cannot say that you are
bound in duty to tell the whole truth even to your father in such
a matter.'
'But I mean to tell you everything. Mabel did not seem to care for
me much--in London. And then I saw someone,--someone I liked
better.' Then he stopped, but as the Duke did not ask any
questions he plunged on. 'It was Miss Boncassen.'
'Miss Boncassen!'
'Yes sir,' said Silverbridge, with a little access of decision.
'The American young lady?'
'Yes sir.'
'Do you know anything of her family?'
'I think I know all about her family. It is not much in the way
of--family.'
'You have not spoken to her about it?'
'Yes sir;--I have settled it all with her, on condition--'
'Settled it with her that she is to be your wife.
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