those of his
adversary. If he had not absolutely declared himself as irrevocably
hostile to Miss Boncassen he had not said a word that might be
supposed to give token of assent.

Silverbridge, therefore, was moody, contemplative, and desirous of
solitude. Nothing that the Duke had said had shaken him. He was
still sure of his pearl, and quite determined that he would wear it.
Various thoughts were running through his brain. What if he were to
abdicate the title and become a republican? He was inclined to think
that he could not abdicate, but he was quite sure that no one could
prevent him from going to America and calling himself Mr. Palliser.
That his father would forgive him and accept the daughter-in-law
brought to him, were he in the first place to marry without sanction,
he felt quite sure. What was there that his father would not forgive?
But then Isabel would not assent to this. He was turning it all in
his head and ever and anon trying to relieve his mind by "Clarissa,"
which he was reading in conformity with his father's advice, when the
gentleman's card was put into his hand. "Whatever does he want here?"
he said to himself; and then he ordered that the gentleman might
be shown up. The gentleman in question was our old friend Dolly
Longstaff. Dolly Longstaff and Silverbridge had been intimate as
young men are. But they were not friends, nor, as far as Silverbridge
knew, had Dolly ever set his foot in that house before. "Well,
Dolly," said he, "what's the matter now?"

"I suppose you are surprised to see me?"

"I didn't think that you were ever up so early." It was at this time
almost noon.

"Oh, come now, that's nonsense. I can get up as early as anybody
else. I have changed all that for the last four months. I was at
breakfast this morning very soon after ten."

"What a miracle! Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Well yes,--there is. Of course you are surprised to see me?"

"You never were here before; and therefore it is odd."

"It is odd; I felt that myself. And when I tell you what I have come
about you will think it more odd. I know I can trust you with a
secret."

"That depends, Dolly."

"What I mean is, I know you are good-natured. There are ever so many
fellows that are one's most intimate friends, that would say anything
on earth they could that was ill-natured."

"I hope they are not my friends."

"Oh yes, they are. Think of Glasslough, or Popplecourt, or Hindes!
If they knew any