But surely we all have some one friend to whom we tell everything, and with the Duchess Mrs.
Finn was that one friend.
"Is the Duke to be Prime Minister ?" "How on earth should you have guessed that ?" "What else could make you so excited?
Besides, it is by no means strange.

I understand that they have gone on trying the two old stagers till it is useless to try them any longer; and if there is to be a fresh man, no one would be more likely than the Duke." "Do you think so ?" "Certainly.

Why not ?" "He has frittered away his political position by such meaningless concessions.

And then he had never done anything to put himself forward,--at any rate since he left the House of Commons.

Perhaps I haven't read things right,--but I was surprised, very much surprised." "And gratified ?" "Oh yes.