"If I thought you were there, I'm sure I should not make it at all."
Just at this period Miss Cassewary, saying something as to the necessity of dressing, and cautioning her young friend that there was not much time to be lost, left the room.
"Dressing does not take me more than ten minutes," said Lady Mabel.
Miss Cassewary declared this to be nonsense, but she nevertheless left the room. Whether she would have done so if Lord Silverbridge had not been Lord Silverbridge, but had been some young man with whom it would not have been expedient that Lady Mabel should fall in love, may perhaps be doubted. But then it may be taken as certain that under such circumstances Lady Mabel herself would not have remained. She had quite realised the duties of life, had had her little romance,—and had acknowledged that it was foolish.
"I do so hope that you will do well," she said, going back to the parliamentary duties.
"I don't think I shall ever do much. I shall never be like my father."
"I don't see why not."
"There never was anybody like him. I am always amusing myself, but he never cared for amusement."
"You are very young."
"As far as I can learn he was just as he is now at my age. My mother has told me that long before she married him he used to spend all his time in the House. I wonder whether you would mind reading the letter he wrote me when he heard of my election."