"Is that it?" said the Duke, looking at him with surprise, but at the same time with something of returning joviality in his face. "Nobody thinks of going abroad at this time of the year. Of course, you can get away for a time when Parliament breaks up."
"But I have promised to go at once."
"Then, considering your position, you have made a promise which it behoves you to break. I am sure Lady Glencora will see it in that light."
"You do not quite understand me, and I am afraid I must trouble you to listen to matters which, under other circumstances, it would be impertinent in me to obtrude upon you." A certain stiffness of demeanour, and measured propriety of voice, much at variance with his former manner, came upon him as he said this.
"Of course, Palliser, I don't want to interfere for a moment."

"Then you have made a promise which it behoves you to break. I am sure Lady Glencora will see it in that light."
"You do not quite understand me." A certain stiffness of manner came upon him as he said this. 