me in the handsomest manner, and, indeed,
ever since, with respect to this subject. But a Marquis of Montacute is,
in my opinion, and, I believe I may add, in that of the whole county,
our proper representative; besides, we want young blood in the House.'

'It certainly is done in the handsomest manner,' said the duke.

'But then you know, George, you behaved to him in the handsomest manner;
he says so, as you do indeed to everybody; and this is your reward.'

'I should be very sorry, indeed, if Hungerford did not withdraw with
perfect satisfaction to himself, and his family too,' urged the duke;
'they are most respectable people, one of the most respectable families
in the county; I should be quite grieved if this step were taken without
their entire and hearty concurrence.'

'Of course it is,' said the duchess, 'with the entire and hearty
concurrence of every one. Mr. Hungerford says so. And I must say that,
though few things could have gratified me more, I quite agree with Mr.
Hungerford that a Lord Montacute is the natural member for the county;
and I have no doubt that if Mr. Hungerford, or any one else in his
position, had not resigned, they never could have met our child without
feeling the greatest embarrassment.'

'A man though, and a man of Hungerford's position, an old family in
the county, does not like to figure as a warming-pan,' said the duke,
thoughtfully. 'I think it has been done in a very handsome manner.'

'And we will show our sense of it,' said the duchess. 'The Hungerfords
shall feel, when they come here on Thursday, that they are among our
best friends.'

'That is my own Kate! Here is a letter from your brother. They will be
here to-morrow. Eskdale cannot come over till Wednesday. He is at home,
but detained by a meeting about his new harbour.'

'I am delighted that they will be here to-morrow,' said the duchess. 'I
am so anxious that he should see Kate before the castle is full, when he
will have a thousand calls upon his time! I feel persuaded that he will
love her at first sight. And as for their being cousins, why, we were
cousins, and that did not hinder us from loving each other.'

'If she resemble you as much as you resembled your aunt ----' said the
duke, looking up.

'She is my perfect image, my very self, Harriet says, in disposition, as
well as face and form.'

'Then our son has a good chance of being a very happy man,' said the
duke.

'That he should come of age, enter P