"It seems to me that the war must be almost over," he replied. "Now that Santiago's fallen, and Cervera's fleet's destroyed, Spain has no alternative but to yield."
"Ah," she murmured, "then we'll be free once more."
"Has your exile been so irksome to you?" he asked.
"Oh," she returned, "I didn't mean it that way, really. Believe me, I'm not ungrateful. Blanford's just sweet, and your father's an old dear."
"Yes," he retorted, laughing. "I notice you're doing your best to usurp Mrs. Mackintosh's place in his affections."
"That's not from pique, it's from charity," she replied. "I've been trying to rescue her from Jonah."
"I'm afraid my governor must be an awful bore," he said.
"Oh, but he's so sweet and simple with it all," she objected. "I'm really growing to be awfully fond of him."
"I think he's growing to be awfully fond of you," said his son.
Miss Arminster laughed merrily.