In answer to these last words
he for a moment said nothing. He simply blushed a little. Then he raised
his eyes to the ceiling and stood looking at one of the rosy cherubs
that was painted upon it. "Of course I don't expect to marry any
woman for the asking," he said at last; "I expect first to make myself
acceptable to her. She must like me, to begin with. But that I am not
good enough to make a trial is rather a surprise."
Bellegarde wore a look of mingled perplexity, sympathy, and amusement.
"You should not hesitate, then, to go up to-morrow and ask a duchess to
marry you?"
"Not if I thought she would suit me. But I am very fastidious; she might
not at all."
Bellegarde's amusement began to prevail. "And you should be surprised if
she refused you?"
Newman hesitated a moment. "It sounds conceited to say yes, but
nevertheless I think I should. For I should make a very handsome offer."
"What would it be?"
"Everything she wishes. If I get hold of a woman that comes up to my
standard, I shall think nothing too good for her. I have been a long
time looking, and I find such women are rare. To combine the qualities I
require seems to be difficult, but when the difficulty is vanquished
it deserves a reward. My wife shall have a good position, and I'm not
afraid to say that I shall be a good husband.
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