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 this 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.