With what object he
had called he hardly knew himself; but he thought that he intended to
assure the Duchess that he was not a candidate for office, and that
he must deprecate her interference. Luckily,--or unluckily,--he did
not see her, and he felt that it would be impossible to convey his
wishes in a letter. The whole subject was one which would have defied
him to find words sufficiently discreet for his object.
The Duke and Duchess of St. Bungay were at Matching for the
Easter,--as also was Barrington Erle, and also that dreadful Mr.
Bonteen, from whose presence the poor Duchess of Omnium could in
these days never altogether deliver herself. "Duke," she said, "you
know Mr. Finn?"
"Certainly. It was not very long ago that I was talking to him."
"He used to be in office, you remember."
"Oh yes;--and a very good beginner he was. Is he a friend of Your
Grace's?"
"A great friend. I'll tell you what I want you to do. You must have
some place found for him."
"My dear Duchess, I never interfere."
"Why, Duke, you've made more Cabinets than any man living.
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