'We naturally feel great relief,' said Mervyn. (By 'We' he meant the Ministry.)
'It's straining a point to let him stay in the House,' declared Glentorly.
'The seat's shaky,' murmured Constantine Blair. Mervyn's eye accused him of saying the wrong thing.
Trix, from conscience or good-nature, began to feel sorry for Beaufort Chance.
'Resist the beginnings—the beginnings,' said Lord Barmouth. 'The habit of speculation is invading all classes.'
'Public men, at least, must make a stand,' Mervyn declared.
The corners of Lady Blixworth's mouth were drooping in despair. 'What I go through for that girl Audrey!' she was thinking, for she had refused a most pleasant little dinner- and theatre party in town. She was not in a good temper with Trix Trevalla, but all the same she shot her a glance of understanding and sympathy.
'Now persons like this Fricker are pests—pests,' pursued Barmouth.
'Oh, Mr. Fricker's really a very good-natured man,' protested Trix, who was on her host's left hand.
'You know him, Mrs. Trevalla?' Lord Barmouth did not conceal his surprise.