"How should I have put it? I meant exactly what I said!"
"Oh, of course, if you choose to import the phraseology of the servants'-hall into your conversation, you are at perfect liberty to do so."
"Anyhow, the fact remains the same. We are to be bereaved of the great secretary! Weren't you astonished when I told you?"
"Not the least in the world!"
"Because you had heard it before?"
"Exactly!"
"From Lord Hetherington?"
"Oh no!" laughed Lady Caroline; "don't scold poor dear West on the idea that he had anticipated you! I heard it from Mr. Joyce himself."
"Oh, of course you did!" said Lady Hetherington, slightly tossing her head. "Well, of course you're very much grieved. He was such a favourite of yours."
"Just because I like Mr. Joyce very much, or, as you phrase it, because he is a favourite of mine, I'm very pleased to think that he's going away. A man of his abilities is lost in his present position."