'My dear Duke of St. James,' said Arundel Dacre, 'how ashamed I am
that this is the first time I have personally thanked you for all your
goodness!'
'My dear Dacre, I have to thank you for proving for the first time to
the world that I was not without discrimination.'
'No, no,' said Dacre, gaily and easily; 'all the congratulations and all
the compliments to-night shall be for you. Believe me, my dear friend, I
share your triumph.'
They shook hands with earnestness.
'May will read your speech with exultation,' said Arundel. 'I think we
must thank her for making you an orator.'
The Duke faintly smiled and shook his head.
'And how are all our Yorkshire friends?' continued Arundel. 'I am
disappointed again in getting down to them; but I hope in the course of
the month to pay them a visit.'
'I shall see them in a day or two,' said the Duke. 'I pay Mr. Dacre one
more visit before my departure form England.'
'Are you then indeed going?' asked Arundel, in a kind voice.
'For ever.'
'Nay, nay, _ever_ is a strong word.'
'It becomes, then, my feelings. However, we will not talk of this.
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