It had been hinted to him that the Duke wanted to marry the lady, but that rumour he had never believed.

The reader, if he has duly studied the history of the age, will know that the Duke did make an offer to Madame Goesler, pressing it with all his eloquence, but that Madame Goesler, on mature consideration, thought it best to decline to become a duchess.

Of all this, however, the reader who understands Madame Goesler's character will be quite sure that she did not say a word to Phineas Finn.

Since the business had been completed she had spoken of it to no one but to Lady Glencora Palliser, who had forced herself into a knowledge of all the circumstances while they were being acted.
"I met the Duke once at Matching," said Phineas.
"I remember it well.

I was there, and first made the Duke's acquaintance on that occasion.