hese things which our
ambition covets are easier to Duke's sons than to others. But not on
that account should a Duke's son refuse them. A man when he sees a
rung vacant on the ladder should always put his feet there."

"I'll tell you what," said Silverbridge. "If I thought this was all
fair sailing I'd do it. I should feel certain that I should come a
cropper, but still I'd try it. As you say, a fellow should try. But
it's all meant as a blow at the governor. Old Beeswax thinks that if
he can get me up to swear that he and his crew are real first-chop
hands, that will hit the governor hard. It's as much as saying to the
governor,--'This chap belongs to me, not to you.' That's a thing I
won't go in for." Then Tregear counselled him to write to his father
for advice, and at the same time to ask Sir Timothy to allow him
a day or two for consideration. This counsel he took. His letter
reached his father two days before he left Matching. In answer to it
there came first a telegram begging Silverbridge to be in London on
the Monday, and then a letter, in which the Duke expressed himself
as being anxious to see his son before giving a final answer to the
question. Thus it was that Silverbridge had been taken away from his
hunting.

Isabel Boncassen, however, was now in London, and from her it was
possible that he might find consolation. He had written to her soon
after reaching Harrington, telling her that he had had it all out
with the governor. "There is a good deal that I can only tell you
when I see you," he said. Then he assured her with many lover's
protestations that he was and always would be till death altogether
her own most loving S. To this he had received an answer by return
of post. She would be delighted to see him up in town,--as would her
father and mother. They had now got a comfortable house in Brook
Street. And then she signed herself his sincere friend, Isabel.
Silverbridge thought that it was cold, and remembered certain scraps
in another feminine handwriting in which more passion was expressed.
Perhaps this was the way with American young ladies when they were in
love.

"Yes," said the Duke, "I am glad that you have come up at once, as
Sir Timothy should have his answer without further delay."

"But what shall I say?"

The Duke, though he had already considered the matter very seriously,
nevertheless took a few minutes to consider it again. "The offer,"
said he, "must be acknowledged as very flat