'I am the better for seeing you here, Charlotte. Shall I order breakfast for you? I am alone.'
'I know you are. I've eaten. Rewkes tells me you've not lost appetite.'
'Have I the appearance of a man who has lost anything?' Prouder man, and heartier and ruddier, could not be seen, she thought.
'You're winning the country to right you; that I know.'
'I don't ask it.'
'The country wants your services.'
'I have heard some talk of it. That lout comes to a knowledge of his wants too late. If they promoted and offered me the command in India to- morrow—'My lord struck the arm of his chair. 'I live at Steignton henceforth; my wife is at a seaside place eastward. She left the jewel- case when on her journey through London for safety; she is a particularly careful person, forethoughtful. I take her down to Steignton two days after her return. We entertain there in the autumn. You come?'
'I don't. I prefer decent society.'
'You are in her house now, ma'am.'
'If I have to meet the person, you mean, I shall be civil. The society you've given her, I won't meet.'