You seem to forget that there is a third person to be
consulted in this adventure. And why in the name of Doctors' Commons,
the Duke is to close his career by marrying a woman of whom, with your
leave, he is already, if experience be not a dream, half-wearied, is
really past my comprehension, although as Yorkshire, Lucy, I should not,
you know, be the least apprehensive of mortals.'
'I depend upon my unbounded influence over St. James.'
'What! do you mean to recommend the step, then?'
'Hear me! At present I am his confidential counsellor on all
subjects----'
'But one.'
'Patience, fair dame; and I have hitherto imperceptibly, but
efficiently, exerted my influence to prevent his getting entangled with
any other nets.'
'Faithful friend!'
'_Point de moquerie!_ Listen. I depend further upon his perfect
inexperience of women; for, in spite of his numerous gallantries, he
has never yet had a grand passion, and is quite ignorant, even at this
moment, how involved his feelings are with his mistress. He has not yet
learnt the bitter lesson that, unless we despise a woman when we
cease to love her, we are still a slave, without the consolement of
intoxication.
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