A Duke of Omnium can't want to send the country to the dogs." The old man shook his head.

He did not understand much about it, but he felt convinced that the Duke and his colleagues were sending the country to the dogs, whatever might be their wishes.

"I shan't think of politics for the next ten years, and so I don't trouble myself about the Duchess's parties, but I suppose I should go if I were asked." Sir Alured felt that he had not as yet begun even to approach the difficult subject.

"I'm glad you don't like that man," he said.
"I don't like him at all.

Tell me, Sir Alured;--why is he always going to Manchester Square ?" "Ah;--that is it." "He has been there constantly;--has he not ?" "No;--no.