Though rude, she could not help liking the way he stuck up for this woman; and she threw back at him the words:
“You and I, Mr. Courtier, must have a good fight some day!”
She went towards her husband conscious of the rather pleasurable sensation which combat always roused in her.
These two were very good comrades. Theirs had been a love match, and making due allowance for human nature beset by opportunity, had remained, throughout, a solid and efficient alliance. Taking, as they both did, such prominent parts in public and social matters, the time they spent together was limited, but productive of mutual benefit and reinforcement. They had not yet had an opportunity of discussing their son's affair; and, slipping her hand through his arm, Lady Valleys drew him away from the house.
“I want to talk to you about Miltoun, Geoff.”
“H'm!” said Lord Valleys; “yes. The boy's looking worn. Good thing when this election's over.”
“If he's beaten and hasn't something new and serious to concentrate himself on, he'll fret his heart out over that woman.”
Lord Valleys meditated a little before replying.
“I don't think that, Gertrude. He's got plenty of spirit.”
“Of course! But it's a real passion. And, you know, he's not like most boys, who'll take what they can.”