‘He is bad,’ he said at last.

’Whether he is bad I will not say; but I am sure that you can gain nothing by his companionship.’

‘I will get rid of him,’ said Silverbridge, after a considerable pause.  ‘I cannot do so at once, but I will do it.’

‘It will be better, I think.’

‘Tregear has been telling me the same thing.’

‘Is he objectionable to Mr Tregear?’ asked the Duke.

’Oh yes.  Tregear cannot bear him.  You treated him a great deal better than Tregear ever does.’

’I do not deny that he is entitled to be treated well;—­but so also is your groom.  Let us say no more about him.  And so it is to be Mabel Grex?’

’I did not say so, sir.  How can I answer for her?  Only it was so pleasant for me to know that you would approve if it should come off.’

‘Yes;—­I will approve.  When she has accepted you—­’

‘But I don’t think she will.’

’If she should, tell her that I will go to her at once.  It will be much to have a new daughter;—­very much that you should have a wife.  Where would she like to live?’

‘Oh, sir, we haven’t got as far as that.’

‘I dare say not; I dare say not,’ said the Duke.  ’Gatherum is always thought to be dull.’

‘She wouldn’t like Gatherum, I’m sure.’

‘Have you asked her?’

‘No, sir.  But nobody likes Gatherum.’

’I suppose not.  And yet, Silverbridge, what a sum of money it cost!’

‘I believe it did.’

‘All vanity; and vexation of spirit!’

The Duke no doubt thinking of certain scenes passed at the great house in question, which scenes had not been delightful to him.  ’No, I don’t suppose she would wish to live at Gatherum.  The Horns was given expressly by my uncle to your dear mother, and I should like Mary to have the place.’

‘Certainly.’

’You should live among your tenantry.  I don’t care so very much for Matching.’

‘It is the one place you do like, sir.’

’However, we can manage all that.  Carlton Terrace I do not particularly like; but it is a good house, and there you should hang up your hat when in London.  When it is settled, let me know at once.’

‘But if it should never be settled?’

‘I will ask no questions; but if it be settled tell me.’  Then in Palace Yard he was turning to go, but before he did so, he said another word leaning on his son’s shoulder.  ’I do not think that Mabel Grex and Major Tifto would do well together at all.’

‘There shall be an end to that, sir.’

‘God bless you my boy!’ said the Duke.