That was true, thought Mallender, but her children?—what of them? They might resemble her brothers, or her grandmother! However, naturally he made no remark. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
"And what about you?" resumed Rochfort. "I must settle about you."
"Oh, I'll be all right, don't bother about me! I'll go into Madras, and wait upon events."
"Not you, in this sweltering heat! it's bad enough here, but the walls are thick, and the old house is cool. You make this your home, as long as ever you like; stay with Dixon and the boys, and use the car, and horses. Do you realise all you have accomplished for Sophy, and me?"
"Oh, no—that was her doing!"
"But she says not; says you influenced her! and I believe Sophy; Mallender, you have been a trump! What's the good of your mock modesty and playing the ostrich——? Well, I understand that Francis is full of grand schemes he and your fellow have hatched out between them, and I expect they will put you on to something, before long."
"All right, I'll remain here for a little, as my head-quarters, if I may, but you must let me pay my bazaar, and consider myself a P.G."
"Do you want to insult me?" cried Rochfort angrily.
"Nonsense, you know I don't, but——"
"Then say no more about it—that's my last word!"