’My dear father,

’I am Member of Parliament for Silverbridge,—­as you used to be in the days which I can first remember.  I hope you won’t think that it does not make me unhappy to have differed from you.  Indeed it does.  I don’t think that anybody has ever done so well in politics as you have.  But when a man does take up an opinion, I don’t see how he can help himself.  Of course I could have kept myself quiet;—­but then you wished me to be in the House.  They were all very civil to me at Silverbridge, but there was very little said.

’Your affectionate Son,
‘Silverbridge.’

CHAPTER 15

The Duke Receives a Letter,—­and Writes One.

The Duke, when he received Mrs Finn’s note, demanding an interview, thought much upon the matter before he replied.  She had made her demand as though the Duke had been no more than any other gentleman, almost as though she had a right to call upon him to wait upon her.  He understood and admitted the courage of this;—­but nevertheless he would not go to her.  He had trusted her with that which of all things was the most sacred to him, and she had deceived him!  He wrote her as follows: 

’The Duke of Omnium presents his compliments to Mrs Finn.  As the Duke thinks that no good could result either to Mrs Finn or to himself from an interview, he is obliged to say that he would rather not do as Mrs Finn has requested.

’But for the strength of this conviction the Duke would have waited upon Mrs Finn most willingly.’

Mrs Finn when she received this was not surprised.  She had felt sure that such would be the nature of the Duke’s answer; but she was also sure that is such an answer did come, she would not let the matter rest.  The accusation was so bitter to her that she would spare nothing in defending herself,—­nothing in labour and nothing in time.  She would make him know that she was in earnest.  As she could not succeed in getting into his presence she must do so by letter,—­and she wrote her letter, taking two days to think of her words.

’May 18, 18-

’My dear duke of Omnium,

’As you will not come to me, I must trouble your Grace to read what I fear will be a long letter.  For it is absolutely necessary that I should explain my conduct to you.  That you have condemned me I am sure you will not deny;—­nor that you have punished me as far as the power of punishment was in your hands.  If I can succeed in making you see that you have judged me wrongly, I think you will admit you error and beg my pardon.  You are not one who from your nature can be brought easily to do this; but you are the one who will certainly do it if you can be made to feel that by not doing so you would be unjust.  I am myself so clear as to my own rectitude of purpose and conduct, and I am so well aware of your perspicuity, that I venture to believe that if you will read this letter I shall convince you.