“Take a bit of good advice, Denville.”
“My lord!”
“And keep a tighter rein over your daughter.”
“Your lordship’s opinions seem to change easily,” said Denville bitterly. “The other day my daughter Claire—”
“Pooh! Absurd, man! Stop. She is perfect. A princess could not have been a more charming hostess. I did not mean her. Look there!”
“Mrs Burnett with Sir Harry Payne?”
“Yes; the fellow’s a blackguard. The little woman married a fool—”
“My lord!”
“Who neglects her for drink and play. Don’t be offended, Denville. I am your friend. You have had scandal enough in your family; you must have no more.”
Denville drew a long breath.