"May I give you a lift anywhere? I always think that's the best of a car—one can be of use to people who haven't got one."
"Well, I declare that's very kind of you. Would the Council House be out of your way?"
"Not at all."
The Alderman dropped thankfully on to the comfortable seat offered him.
"Did you want to see my husband?" Edna sweetly enquired, not devoid of curiosity.
"Only on a little matter of business connected with the College. It came into my mind that I could get a word with him when I saw the car outside the door. But I daresay I shall see him next week—or I can drop him a line."
"Even Julian," said Lady Rossiter intentionally, "is hardly more interested in our College than I am. You know how I've followed its career from the very beginning and always kept in the closest possible touch with the members of the staff. And I needn't tell you that I've never yet missed a General Committee meeting."
"Have you not, indeed!" responded the Alderman, obviously debating in his own mind whether or not he should take Lady Rossiter into his further confidence with regard to the affairs of Culmouth College.
She maintained a tactful silence.
"The fact is, Lady Rossiter, that a suggestion has been made—this is quite confidential, you understand—for opening a new branch of the College. They're asking for something of the same kind in Gloucestershire, and it appears that the municipal authorities are ready enough to guarantee the funds. I have a very gratifying letter, which I want your husband to see, speaking in most complimentary terms of our little show here. Of course, it's quite understood to be more or less run on philanthropic lines. That chap Fuller has done marvels, and actually achieved a balance on the right side, but the concern isn't primarily meant to be a paying one, as I needn't tell you."