"And who goes out with him?" asked Mr. Palliser, putting off the evil moment of his own decision; but before the Duke could answer him, he had reminded himself that under his present circumstances he had no right to ask such a question. His own decision could not rest upon that point. "But it does not matter," he said; "I am afraid I must decline the offer you bring me."
"Decline it!" said the Duke, who could not have been more surprised had his friend talked of declining heaven.

"And who leaves with him?" asked Mr. Palliser, putting off the evil moment of his own decision; but before the Duke could answer, he had reminded himself that he had no right to ask such a question. "It does not matter," he said; "I am afraid I must decline the offer."
"Decline it!"
