'
'Yes, sir,--on condition that you will approve.'
'Did you go to her, Silverbridge, with such a stipulation as
that?'
'It was not like that.'
'How was it then?'
'She stipulated. She will marry me if you consent.'
'It was she then who thought of my wishes and feeling;--not you?'
'I knew that I loved her. What is a man to do when he feels like
that? Of course I meant to tell you.' The Duke was looking very
black. 'I thought you liked her, sir.'
'Liked her! I did like her. I do like her. What has that to do
with it? Do you think I like none but those with whom I should
think it fitting to ally myself in marriage? Is there to be no
duty in such matters, no restraint, no feeling of what is due to
your own name, and to others who bear it? The lad who is out there
sweeping the walks can marry the first girl that pleases his eye
if she will take him. Perhaps his lot is the happier because he
owns such liberty. Have you the same freedom?'
'I suppose I have,--by law.'
'Do you recognise no duty but what the law imposes upon you?
Should you be disposed to eat in drink in bestial excess, because
the laws would not hinder you? Should you lie and sleep all the
day, the law would say nothing! Should you neglect every duty
which your position imposes on you, the law could not interfere!
To such a one as you the law can be no guide.
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