‘I have not thought it over yet. I will to-day. By the way, I know it’s the thing to do,’ repeated he, with an air of determination. ‘There will be all manner of reports, scandals, and falsehoods to no end about this business here; and when Lady Maude learns, as she is sure to learn, that the “Greek girl” is in the story, I cannot measure the mischief that may come of it.’
‘Break off the match, eh?’
‘That is certainly “on the cards.”’
‘I suspect even that would not break your heart.’
‘I don’t say it would, but it would prove very inconvenient in many ways. Danesbury has great claims on his party. He came here as Viceroy dead against his will, and, depend upon it, he made his terms. Then if these people go out, and the Tories want to outbid them, Danesbury could take—ay, and would take—office under them.’
‘I cannot follow all that. All I know is, I like the old boy himself, though he is a bit pompous now and then, and fancies he’s Emperor of Russia.’
‘I wish his niece didn’t imagine she was an imperial princess.’
‘That she does! I think she is the haughtiest girl I ever met. To be sure she was a great beauty.’
‘Was, Harry! What do you mean by “was”? Lady Maude is not eight-and-twenty.’
‘Ain’t she, though? Will you have a ten-pound note on it that she’s not over thirty-one; and I can tell you who could decide the wager?’