"The Conservatives, of whom I take the liberty to call myself one."
"It sounded as though you were a very influential member of the party."
"I consider myself to be one of the party, and so I say 'We.'"
Upstairs in the drawing-room Miss Cassewary did her duty loyally. It was quite right that young ladies and young gentlemen should be allowed to talk together, and very right indeed that such a young gentleman as Lord Silverbridge should be allowed to talk to such a young lady as Lady Mabel. What could be so nice as a marriage between the heir of the house of Omnium and Lady Mabel Grex? Lady Mabel looked indeed to be the elder,—but they were in truth the same age. All the world acknowledged that Lady Mabel was very clever and very beautiful and fit to be a Duchess. Even the Earl, when Miss Cassewary hinted at the matter to him, grunted an assent. Lady Mabel had already refused one or two not ineligible offers, and it was necessary that something should be done. There had been at one time a fear in Miss Cassewary's bosom lest her charge should fall too deeply in love with Frank Tregear;—but Miss Cassewary knew that whatever danger there might have been in that respect had passed away. Frank was willing to talk to her, while Mabel and Lord Silverbridge were in a corner together.
"I shall be on tenterhooks now till I know how it is to be at Silverbridge," said the young lady.
"It is very good of you to feel so much interest."
"Of course I feel an interest. Are not you one of us? When is it to be?"
"They say that the elections will be over before the Derby."
"And which do you care for the most?"
"I should like to pull off the Derby, I own."