that perfect intimacy with
the house and household which is generally accorded to a promised
son-in-law.

On this occasion he travelled down alone, and as he approached the
house he, who was not by nature timid, felt himself to be somewhat
cowed. That the Duke should not be cold to him was almost impossible.
Of course he was there in opposition to the Duke's wishes. Even
Silverbridge had never quite liked the match. Of course he was to
have all that he desired. Of course he was the most fortunate of men.
Of course no man had ever stronger reason to be contented with the
girl he loved. But still his heart was a little low as he was driven
up to the door.

The first person whom he saw was the Duke himself, who, as the fly
from the station arrived, was returning from his walk. "You are
welcome to Matching," he said, taking off his hat with something of
ceremony. This was said before the servants, but Tregear was then
led into the study and the door was closed. "I never do anything by
halves, Mr. Tregear," he said. "Since it is to be so you shall be the
same to me as though you had come under other auspices. Of yourself
personally I hear all that is good. Consider yourself at home here,
and in all things use me as your friend." Tregear endeavoured to make
some reply, but could not find words that were fitting. "I think that
the young people are out," continued the Duke. "Mr. Warburton will
help you to find them if you like to go upon the search." The words
had been very gracious, but still there was something in the manner
of the man which made Tregear find it almost impossible to regard him
as he might have regarded another father-in-law. He had often heard
the Duke spoken of as a man who could become awful if he pleased,
almost without an effort. He had been told of the man's mingled
simplicity, courtesy, and self-assertion against which no impudence
or raillery could prevail. And now he seemed to understand it.

He was not driven to go under the private secretary's escort in
quest of the young people. Mary had understood her business much
better than that. "If you please, sir, Lady Mary is in the little
drawing-room," said a well-arrayed young girl to him as soon as the
Duke's door was closed. This was Lady Mary's own maid who had been on
the look-out for the fly. Lady Mary had known all details, as to the
arrival of the trains and the length of the journey from the station,
and had not been walking with the other y