Gerald has chosen the period of his father's absence for his
return. It was necessary that the story of the gambling debt
should be told the Duke in February! Silverbridge had explained
that to him, and he had quite understood it. He, indeed, would be
up at Oxford in February, and, in that case, the first horror of
the thing would be left to poor Silverbridge! Thinking of this,
Gerald felt that he was bound to tell his father himself. He
resolved that he would do so, but he was anxious to postpone the
evil day. He lingered therefore in Scotland till he knew that his
father was in Barsetshire.
On his arrival he was told of Tregear's accident. 'Oh Gerald, have
you heard?' said his sister. He had not as yet heard, and then the
history was repeated to him. Mary did not attempt to conceal her
own feelings. She was as open with her brother as she had been
with Mrs Finn.
'I suppose he'll get over it,' said Gerald.
'Is that all you say?' she asked.
'What can I say better? I suppose he will. Fellows always do get
over that kind of thing.
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