"And the King?"
"There's no telling. But whether we can succeed in putting him back on the Throne - However, that's none of my business."
"What an odd creature he must be! What does he feel about it all, I wonder?"
"I haven't a notion. He seems to care for nothing in the world but comfort and a quiet life. Poor devil! Fitzroy has been making us laugh with some of his tales of what goes on at the Court."
"Oh, has Lord Fitzroy come back with you? I am glad."
"So are we all," said the Colonel, his eyes twinkling. "Headquarters without Fitzroy are apt to become a trifle sultry. By the by, how in the name of all that's wonderful did that Devenish child come to have such a queer stick of an uncle?"
"He is only her uncle by marriage," Judith answered. "Her aunt is perfectly ladylike, you know."
"And she -"
"My dear Judith, I meant nothing against her! I daresay she will make some fortunate fellow a capital wife. An heiress, isn't she?"
She said archly: "Yes, a considerable heiress. And yet she doesn't squint like a bag of nails!"