‘We don’t follow French fashions,’ said Arthur, his gay tone making his earnest like jest. ‘I am going to take my ladies home. I shall see for the carriage, Violet.’
‘Mrs. Martindale will learn my maxim—Never bring a husband to an evening party. There is nothing so much in the way.’
‘Or that would be so glad to be let off,’ said Arthur, going.
‘You don’t mean to take them away? That is the climax of all your crimes. Quite unallowable.’
‘Many things unallowable are done,’ said Arthur; ‘and I don’t allow her to be over-tired.’
‘“Barbare”,’ began Mrs. Finch, but with a bow, as if it was a compliment, he was gone in search of the carriage. She sat for a moment silent, then said, ‘Well, I must forgive him. I never thought to see him so careful of anything. How happy Theodora seems in your “menage”. Quite a different creature; but perhaps that is from another cause?’
Violet made a little attempt at a laugh.
‘I am glad of it,’ said Mrs. Finch, heartily. ‘It is a horrid stiff place for her at home, is it not? And I am delighted she should escape from it. How she got consent, I can’t imagine; and Theodora has notions of her own, and would do nothing without.’
‘Lord Martindale has a very high opinion of Mr. Fotheringham.’
‘I am not surprised. I read that book—a wonder for me, and was perfectly “eprise”. But I did not think a genius with empty pockets would have gone down at Martindale; and he is a bit of a bear, too, they say, though perhaps Theodora likes him the better for that.’