“I hope Miltoun is taking his own line?”
“That's the trouble. He suffers from swollen principles—only wish he could keep them out of his speeches.”
“Let him be; and get him away from that woman as soon as his election's over. What is her real name?”
“Mrs. something Lees Noel.”
“How long has she been there?”
“About a year, I think.”
“And you don't know anything about her?”
Lord Valleys raised his shoulders.
“Ah!” said Lady Casterley; “exactly! You're letting the thing drift. I shall go down myself. I suppose Gertrude can have me? What has that Mr. Courtier to do with this good lady?”
Lord Valleys smiled. In this smile was the whole of his polite and easy-going philosophy. “I am no meddler,” it seemed to say; and at sight of that smile Lady Casterley tightened her lips.