He had not only promised that he would make his application to the Duke, but that he would do so within the period of a week.

Who was she that she should exact terms from him after this fashion, and prescribe days and hours?
And now, because this strange woman had spoken to him, he was compelled to make a journey down to the Duke's country house, and seek an interview in which he would surely be snubbed! This occurred on a Wednesday, and he resolved that he would go down to Matching on the next Monday.

He said nothing of his plan to any one, and not a word passed between him and Lord Silverbridge about Lady Mary during the first two or three days.

But on the Saturday Silverbridge appeared at breakfast with a letter in his hand.

"The governor is coming up to town," he said.
"Immediately ?" "In the course of next week.