"Of course not. It's what I never do, as I think you are aware. We must remember that to contest the seat is something. It makes you known. If you don't win, you will wait for the next chance—not necessarily here."
Dyce had observed that the pronoun "we" was rather frequently on Constance's lips. She was identifying their interests.
"True," he admitted. "Look at that magnificent sycamore!"
"Yes; but I shouldn't have known it was a sycamore. How is it you know trees so well?"
"That's my father's doing," replied Dyce. "He used to teach me them when I was a youngster."
"Mine was thinking more about social statistics. I knew the number of paupers in London before I had learnt to distinguish between an ash and an oak. Do you ever hear from your father?"
"Now and then," said Lashmar, his machine wobbling a little, for he had not yet perfect command of it, and fell into some peril if his thoughts strayed. "They want me to run over to Alverholme presently. Perhaps I may go next week."
Constance was silent. They wheeled on, without speaking, for some minutes. Then Dyce asked:
"How long does Lady Ogram wish me to stay here?"
"I don't quite know. Are you in any hurry to get away?"