Of course I have not hinted at the matter to him.

If there were any Palliser wanted the borough I wouldn't say a word.
What more patriotic thing can a patron do with his borough than to select a man who is unknown to him, not related to him, a perfect stranger, merely for his worth ?" "But I do not know what may be the worth of Mr.Lopez." "I will guarantee that," said the Duchess.

Whereupon the Duke laughed, and then left her.
The Duchess had spoken with absolute truth when she told her husband that she had not said a word to Mr.Lopez about Silverbridge, but it was not long before she did say a word.

On that same day she found herself alone with him in the garden,--or so much alone as to be able to speak with him privately.

He had certainly made the best use of his time since he had been at the Castle, having secured the good-will of many of the ladies, and the displeasure of most of the men.