I think he's
one of the slowest fellows I ever came across. He'll take deuced good
care of the property, though."
"But, George, do explain it to me. It is so stupid not to understand,
and I am afraid of opening my mouth for fear of blundering."
"Then keep your mouth shut, my dear. You'll learn all those sort of
things in time, and nobody notices it if you don't say anything."
"Yes, but, George;--I don't like to sit silent all the night. I'd
sooner be up here with a novel if I can't speak about anything."
"Look at Lady Dumbello. She doesn't want to be always talking."
"Lady Dumbello is very different from me. But do tell me, who is Mr
Palliser?"
"He's the duke's nephew. If he were the duke's son, he would be the
Marquis of Silverbridge."
"And will he be plain Mister till his uncle dies?"
"Yes, a very plain Mister."
"What a pity for him. But, George,--if I have a baby, and if he
should be a boy, and if--"
"Oh, nonsense; it will be time enough to talk of that when he comes.
I'm going to sleep."
CHAPTER XXIV
A Mother-in-Law and a Father-in-Law
On the following morning Mr Plantagenet Palliser was off upon his
political mission before breakfast;--either that, or else some
private comfort was afforded to him in guise of solitary rolls and
coffee.
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