“'Not once.'
“'That, at least, is more dignified; and if any accident should bring us together in county business—'
“'Which is not likely.'
“'How so?' asked I.
“'They are going away soon.'
“'Going away—to leave Cro' Martin—and for any time?'
“'My Lady speaks of the Continent, and that, of course, implies a long absence.'
“'And has this miserable election squabble led to this resolve? Is the neighborhood to be deprived of its chief ornament—the people of their best friend—just for the sake of a petty party triumph?'
“'It is fortunate Mr. Massingbred's constituents cannot hear him,' said she, laughing.
“'But be serious, and tell me how far am I the cause of all this.'