‘And this title? Does he assume it, or expect it to be recognised?’
‘I can scarcely tell you. The Greek girl “my lords” him occasionally; his daughter, never. The servants always do so; and I take it that people use their own discretion about it.’
‘Or do it in a sort of indolent courtesy, as they call Marsala, sherry, but take care at the same time to pass the decanter. I believe you telegraphed to his Excellency?’
‘Yes; and he means to come over next week.’
‘Any news of Lady Maude?’
‘Only that she comes with him, and I’m sorry for it.’
‘So am I—deuced sorry! In a gossiping town like Dublin there will be surely some story afloat about these handsome girls here. She saw the Greek, too, at the Duke of Rigati’s ball at Rome, and she never forgets a name or a face. A pleasant trait in a wife.’
‘Of course the best plan will be to get removed, and be safely installed in our old quarters at the Castle before they arrive.’
‘We must hear what the doctor says.’
‘He’ll say no, naturally, for he’ll not like to lose his patient. He will have to convey you to town, and we’ll try and make him believe it will be the making of him. Don’t you agree with me, Cecil, it’s the thing to do?’