You cannot
have every thing; and it would not be fair that our reconciliation
should be profitable to you only."
"I did not anticipate, madam, in coming hither, that you would
command me to offer up myself as a sacrifice upon an altar raised
by you to the interests of your friends."
"Meaning to say, my lord duke, that you will keep every thing to
yourself. I cannot compliment you upon your liberality, however
I may for your candour."
"Madam, I have never since my entry into the ministry sought to
live at the expense of my country, and let me resign office when
I may, I shall retire loaded only with debts, whilst you and your
friends draw large revenues from the nation."
The conversation became warm and angry, the duke and myself, with
crimson cheeks and inflamed countenances, surveyed each other
with haughty defiance. At length he added,
"I had hoped that I should have quitted you more kindly disposed
towards me."
"And I, my lord, fancied that you were coming with an ardent
desire for peace; but no, the spirit of your sister leads you
astray, and you would fain punish me for her absence from court."
"Madam, I beseech you to leave my sister in peace; she has gone,
that ought to satisfy you. We will not, if you please, speak of her."
"I only wish that she would likewise do me the honour to be silent
respecting me. I am not ignorant that she continues to aim her
slanders at me from afar as she did when near me.
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