"Well, I should rather think they did. Oh, we fight with the gloves off in New Lindsey."
"After all, if it's a matter that ought to count, it ought to be talked about," remarked Miss Scaife thoughtfully.
"I suppose so," answered Sir John doubtfully; "only it always sounds a little mean, you know."
Eleanor did not attempt to reconcile this seeming contradiction.
"So Sir Robert will be back? Well, Mary will be delighted."
"It doesn't so much matter to her, as you're going."
"No, but she will. For my own part, I like Sir
Robert, but his Government rather lacks variety, doesn't it? It's not exactly thrilling."
"That's very high praise."
"I hardly meant it to be," laughed Eleanor. "However, as you say, it doesn't matter much now to us."