as aware,
however, that there could be no success for him as long as the Duke
lived. Whatever might be the nature of the alliance, it was too
strong to admit of any other while it lasted. But the Duke was a very
old,--or, at least, a very infirm man. And now the Duke was dying.
Of course it was only a chance. Mr. Maule knew the world too well to
lay out any great portion of his hopes on a prospect so doubtful.
But it was worth a struggle, and he would so struggle that he might
enjoy success, should success come, without laying himself open
to the pangs of disappointment. Mr. Maule hated to be unhappy or
uncomfortable, and therefore never allowed any aspiration to proceed
to such length as to be inconvenient to his feelings should it not be
gratified.

In the meantime Madame Max Goesler had been sent for, and had hurried
off to Matching almost without a moment's preparation. As she sat in
the train, thinking of it, tears absolutely filled her eyes. "Poor
dear old man," she said to herself; and yet the poor dear old man had
simply been a trouble to her, adding a most disagreeable task to her
life, and one which she was not called on to perform by any sense of
duty. "How is he?" she said anxiously, when she met Lady Glencora in
the hall at Matching. The two women kissed each other as though they
had been almost sisters since their birth. "He is a little better
now, but he was very uneasy when we telegraphed this morning. He
asked for you twice, and then we thought it better to send."

"Oh, of course it was best," said Madame Goesler.

CHAPTER XXV

"I would do it now"

Though it was rumoured all over London that the Duke of Omnium was
dying, his Grace had been dressed and taken out of his bed-chamber
into a sitting-room, when Madame Goesler was brought into his
presence by Lady Glencora Palliser. He was reclining in a great
arm-chair, with his legs propped up on cushions, and a respectable
old lady in a black silk gown and a very smart cap was attending
to his wants. The respectable old lady took her departure when the
younger ladies entered the room, whispering a word of instruction
to Lady Glencora as she went. "His Grace should have his broth at
half-past four, my lady, and a glass and a half of champagne. His
Grace won't drink his wine out of a tumbler, so perhaps your ladyship
won't mind giving it him at twice."

"Marie has come," said Lady Glencora.

"I knew she would come," said the old man, turning