dine and spend the evening there alone. His son had already
pleaded an engagement for that afternoon, but had consented to
devote the following morning to his father's wishes. Of the other
sojourner in his house the Duke had thought nothing; but the other
sojourner had thought very much of the Duke. Frank Tregear was
fully possessed of that courage which induces a man who knows that
he must be thrown over a precipice, to choose the first possible
moment for his fall. He had sounded Silverbridge about the change
in his politics, and had found his friend quite determined not to
go back to the family doctrine. Such being the case, the Duke's
ill-will and hardness and general severity would probably be
enhanced by his interview with his son. Tregear, therefore,
thinking that nothing could be got by delay, sent his name in to
the Duke before he had been an hour in the house, and asked for an
interview. The servant brought back word that his Grace was
fatigued, but would see Mr Tregear if the matter in question was
one of importance. Frank's heart quailed for a moment, but only
for a moment. He took up a pen and wrote a note.

'MY DEAR DUKE OF OMNIUM,
'If your Grace can spare a moment, I think you
will find that what I have to say will justify the
intrusion.
'Your very faithful servant,
F.O.TREGEAR'

Of course the Duke admitted him. There was but one idea on his
head as to what was coming. His son had taken this way of making
some communication to him respecting his political creed. Some
overture or some demand was to be preferred through Tregear. If