'
Whereupon the duchess went off, and spoke for a considerable time
with great animation and ability, the duke hanging on every word with
vigilant interest, Lord Eskdale never interrupting her for an instant;
while she stated the case not only with the impassioned feeling of
a devoted mother, but occasionally with all the profundity of a
theologian. She did not conceal from him the interview between Tancred
and the bishop; it was her last effort, and had failed; and so, 'after
all our plans,' she ended, 'as far as I can form an opinion, he is
absolutely more resolved than ever to go to Jerusalem.'
'Well,' said his lordship, 'it is at least better than going to the
Jews, which most men do at his time of life.'
'I cannot agree even to that,' said the duchess; 'for I would rather
that he should be ruined than die.'
'Men do not die as they used,' said his lordship. 'Ask the annuity
offices; they have all raised their rates.'
'I know nothing about annuity offices, but I know that almost everybody
dies who goes to those countries; look at young Fernborough, he was just
Tancred's age; the fevers alone must kill him.'
'He must take some quinine in his dressing-case,' said Lord Eskdale.
'You jest, Henry,' said the duchess, disappointed, 'when I am in
despair.
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