has been
too adventurous. After a certain fashion he will, perhaps, be tender
to her; but he will have his own way in everything, and be no whit
afraid when she is about to die in an agony of tears before his eyes.
The writer of the present story may, however, declare that the future
fate of this lady shall not be left altogether in obscurity.

CHAPTER LXXX

What Was Said About It All at Matching

The Whitsuntide holidays were late this year, not taking place till
the beginning of June, and were protracted till the 9th of that
month. On the 8th Lizzie and Mr. Emilius became man and wife, and
on that same day Lady Glencora Palliser entertained a large company
of guests at Matching Priory. That the Duke of Omnium was there was
quite a matter of course. Indeed, in these days Lady Glencora seldom
separated herself far, or for any long time, from her husband's
uncle,--doing her duty to the head of her husband's family in the
most exemplary manner. People indeed said that she watched him
narrowly, but of persons in high station common people will say
anything. It was at any rate certain that she made the declining
years of that great nobleman's life comfortable and decorous. Madame
Max Goesler was also at Matching, a lady whose society always gave
gratification to the duke. And Mr. Palliser was also there, taking
the rest that was so needful to him;--by which it must be understood
that after having worked all day, he was able to eat his dinner,
and then only write a few letters before going to bed, instead of
attending the House of Commons till two or three o'clock in the
morning. But his mind was still deep in quints and semitenths. His
great measure was even now in committee. His hundred and second
clause had been carried, with only nine divisions against him of any
consequence. Seven of the most material clauses had, no doubt, been
postponed, and the great bone of contention as to the two superfluous
farthings still remained before him. Nevertheless he fondly hoped
that he would be able to send his bill complete to the House of Lords
before the end of July. What might be done in the way of amendments
there he had hitherto refused to consider. "If the peers choose
to put themselves in opposition to the whole nation on a purely
commercial question, the responsibility of all evils that may follow
must be at their doors." This he had said as a commoner. A year or
two at the farthest,--or more probably a few months