"As for that, I'm not going to defend the man." For Lord Castlewell, though by no means a strong politician, was a Tory, and unfortunately found himself agreeing with Rachel in abusing the members of the Government.
"Then why do you say that father made a mess of it?"
"Everybody is talking about it. He has made himself ridiculous before the whole town."
"What! Lord Castlewell," exclaimed Rachel.
"I do believe your father is the best fellow going; but he ought not to touch politics. He made a great mistake in getting into the House. It is a source of misery to everyone connected with him."
"Or about to be connected with him," said Lady Augusta, who had not been appeased by the flavour of Rachel's kiss.
"There's time enough to think about it yet," said Rachel.
"No, there's not," said Lord Castlewell, who intended to express in rather a gallant manner his intention of going on with the marriage.
"But I can assure you there is," said Rachel, "ample time. There shall be no time for going on with it, if my father is to be abused. As it happens, you don't agree with my father in politics. I, as a woman, should have to call myself as belonging to your party, if we be ever married. I do not know what that party is, and care very little, as I am not a politician myself. And I suppose if we were married, you would take upon yourself to abuse my father for his politics, as he might abuse you. But while he is my father, and you are not my husband, I will not bear it. No, thank you, Lady Augusta, I will not drive out to-day. 'Them's my sentiments,' as people say; and perhaps your brother had better think them over while there's time enough." So saying, she did pertinaciously refuse to be driven by the noble lord on that occasion.