He read the letter very carefully, and was at first simply astonished by what he considered to be the unparalleled arrogance of the young man.  In regard to rank this young gentleman thought himself to be as good as anybody else!  In regard to money he did acknowledge some inferiority.  But that was a misfortune, and could not be helped!  Not only was the letter arrogant,—­but the fact that he should dare to write any letter on such a subject was proof of most unpardonable arrogance.  The Duke walked about the room thinking of it till he was almost in a passion.  Then he read the letter again and was gradually pervaded by a feeling of manliness.  Its arrogance remained, but with its arrogance there was a certain boldness which induced respect.  Whether I am such a son-in-law as you would like or not, it is your duty to accept me, if by refusing to do so you will render your daughter miserable.  That was Mr Tregear’s argument.  He himself might be prepared to argue in answer that it was his duty to reject such a son-in-law, even though by rejecting him he might make his daughter miserable.  He was not shaken; but with his condemnation of the young man there was mingled something of respect.

He continued to digest the letter before the hour of dinner, and when the almanac was brought to him he fixed on certain days.  The Boncassens he knew would be free from engagements in ten days’ time.  As to Lady Mabel, he seemed to think it almost certain that she would come.  ’I believe she is always going about from one house to another at this time of the year,’ said Mary.

‘I think she will come to us if it be possible,’ said the Duke.  ‘And you must write to Silverbridge.’

‘And what about Mr and Mrs Finn?’

’She promised she would come again, you know.  They are at their own place in Surrey.  They will come unless they have friends with them.  They have no shooting, and nothing brings people together now except shooting.  I suppose there are better things here to be shot.  And be sure you write to Silverbridge.’

CHAPTER 51

The Duke’s Guests

’The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mr Francis Tregear, and begs to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Tregear’s letter of-.  The Duke has no other communication to make to Mr Tregear, and must beg to decline any further correspondence.’  This was the reply which the Duke wrote to the applicant for his daughter’s hand.  And he wrote it at once.  He had acknowledged to himself that Tregear had shown a certain manliness in his appeal; but not on that account was such a man to have all that he demanded!  It seemed to the Duke that there was no alternative between such a note as that given above and a total surrender.