'You are quite right,' cried Clara. 'You ought to take your vassals, like a feudal chief! I am sure the defence of one's country ought to outweigh everything.'
'Exactly so. Our volunteer forces are our strength and glory, and are a happy meeting of all classes in the common cause. But say nothing, Clara, or granny will take alarm, and get an edict from Walby against me.'
'Dear granny! But I wish we were going home to the Terrace.'
'Thank you. How flattering!'
'You would be always in and out, and it would be so much more comfortable. Is Lord Ormersfield at home?'
'No, he will not come till legislation can bear London no longer.'
'Oh!'—with a sound of great relief.
'You don't know how kind he has been,' said Louis, eagerly. 'You will find it out when you are in the house with him.'
Clara laughed, but sighed. 'I think we should have had more fun at home.'
'What! than with me for your host? Try what I can do. Besides, you overlook Mary.'