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Tales and Novels — Volume 08 by Maria Edgeworth
page 24 of 646 (03%)
of the marchioness, the marquis would make it appear, gave rise to his
first suspicions. Now, sir, these are the points, of which, as my friend,
and as a professional man, I desire you to ascertain the truth. If the
facts are as I have thus heard, I presume no divorce can be legally
obtained."

"Certainly not, my lord."

"Then I will direct you instantly to the proper channels for information."

Whilst Lord Oldborough wrote directions, Alfred assured him he would fulfil
his commission with all the discretion and celerity in his power.

"The next step," continued Lord Oldborough--"for, on such a subject, I
wish to say all that is necessary at once, that it may be banished from
my mind--your next step, supposing the facts to be ascertained, is to go
with this letter--my answer to the Duke of Greenwich. See him--and see
the marquis. In matters of consequence have nothing to do with secondary
people--deal with the principals. Show in the first place, as a lawyer,
that their divorce is unattainable--next, show the marquis that he destroys
his son and heir by attempting it. The duke, I believe, would be glad of a
pretext for dissolving the political connexion between me and the Greenwich
family. He fears me, and he fears the world: he dares not abandon me
without a pretence for the dissolution of friendship. He is a weak man, and
never dares to act without a pretext; but show him that a divorce is not
necessary for his purpose--a separation will do as well--Or without it, I
am ready to break with him at council, in the House of Lords, on a hundred
political points; and let him shield himself as he may from the reproach of
desertion, by leaving the blame of quarrel on my impracticability, or on
what he will, I care not--so that my family be saved from the ignominy of
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