"As for twaddle," she said, "I shouldn't advise much of it in Mrs. Toplady's hearing."
"You are right. That would never do. I suppose that woman may be of real use to me?"
"Yes, I think so," replied Constance, seriously. "You are of course aware that a man doesn't become parliamentary candidate by just walking into a town and saying—'Behold me! Your votes!' There is such a thing as party organisation."
Dyce looked at her with involuntary respect. He reminded himself that "twaddle" was as little likely to have weight with Miss Bride as with Mrs. Toplady.
"She knows political people?" he asked.
"She knows everybody—or can know. I confess I don't understand why. In any case, it'll be well for you to have her good word. Lady Ogram can do a good deal, here, but I'm not sure that she could make your acceptance by the Liberals a certain thing."
"Of course I have thought of that," said Dyce. Then, fearing he had spoken in too off-hand a way, he added graciously, "I needn't say that I regard your advice as valuable. I shall often ask for it."
Constance was mute.
"I suppose I may take it for granted that you wish for my success?"
"To be sure. I wish for it because Lady Ogram does."