"No, Lord Nidderdale; I don't think we can."

"Do you mean that?"

"I do mean it. When that was going on before I knew nothing about it. I have seen more of things since then."

"And you've seen somebody you like better than me?"

"I say nothing about that, Lord Nidderdale. I don't think you ought to blame me, my lord."

"Oh dear no."

"There was something before, but it was you that was off first. Wasn't it now?"

"The governors were off, I think."

"The governors have a right to be off, I suppose. But I don't think any governor has a right to make anybody marry any one."

"I agree with you there;—I do indeed," said Lord Nidderdale.