When once married he would settle down, even at Gatherum
Castle if the Duke should wish it. He would not think of
racehorses, he would desert the Beargarden, he would learn blue-
books by heart, and only do as much shooting and hunting as would
become a young nobleman in his position. All this he would say as
eagerly and as pleasantly as it might be said. But he would add to
all this an assurance of his unchangeable intention. It was his
purpose to marry Isabel Boncassen. If he could do this with his
father's good will,--so best. But at any rate he would marry her!
The world at this time was altogether busy with political rumours;
and it was supposed that Sir Timothy Beeswax would do something
very clever. It was supposed also that he would sever himself from
some of his present companions. On that point everybody was
agreed,--and on that point only everybody was right. Lord Drummond,
who was the titular Prime Minister, and Sir Timothy, had, during a
considerable part of the last session, and through the whole
vacation, so belarded each other with praise in their public
expressions that it was quite manifest that they had quarrelled.
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