“And in your own conduct,” said Miss Blow.
“And in my own conduct, of course,” said Lord Manton. “Didn’t I say that? I meant to. We have acted for the best. You, at least, will believe that, Miss Farquharson. If Miss Blow has not fully realized our difficulties, that is not her fault. I don’t in the least blame her for the attitude she has taken up. Nor does Mr. Goddard.”
Mr. Goddard looked as if he did blame her, but he said nothing. The swift glances of appeal which Lord Manton shot at him were sufficient to keep him silent.
“What I propose now,” said Lord Manton, “is that Mr. Goddard and I should accompany you to the village, so that Miss Blow shall have the opportunity of seeing with her own eyes that her wish with regard to the man Red is carried out.”
“That will be giving you far too much trouble,” said Miss Farquharson.
“Not at all,” said Lord Manton. “I’m delighted to do it. Mr. Goddard, the bell is just beside you; will you be so good as to ring it? I shall order the waggonette to take us down. And I think you must allow me to offer you some tea. You can drink it while the horses are being harnessed, and so waste no time.”
“It’s very kind of you,” said Miss Farquharson, “most kind; we shall be very glad——”
“I shall neither eat nor drink in this house,” said Miss Blow.
“I quite understand your feeling,” said Lord Manton. “There was a prophet once who said the same thing. As well as I recollect, a lion ate him afterwards; but of course that won’t happen in your case, Miss Blow. There aren’t any lions in Connacht.“
”I,” said Miss Farquharson, with strong emphasis on the pronoun, “shall be very pleased to accept Lord Manton’s hospitality in the spirit in which it is offered.”