Too Long; Didn't Read

It was the butler who had knocked,—showing that the knock was of more importance than it would have been had it been struck by the knuckles of the footman in livery. "If you please, sir, the Duke of St. Bungay is here." "The Duke of St. Bungay!" said Mr. Palliser, becoming rather red as he heard the announcement. "Yes, sir, his grace is in the library. He bade me tell you that he particularly wanted to see you; so I told him that you were with my lady." "Quite right; tell his grace that I will be with him in two minutes." Then the butler retired, and Mr. Palliser was again alone with his wife. "I must go now, my dear," he said; "and perhaps I shall not see you again till the evening." "Don't let me put you out in any way," she answered. "Oh no;—you won't put me out. You will be dressing, I suppose, about nine." "I did not mean as to that," she answered. "You must not think more of Italy. He has come to tell you that you are wanted in the Cabinet." Again he turned very red. "It may be so," he answered, "but though I am wanted, I need not go. But I must not keep the duke waiting. Good-bye." And he turned to the door.