"I don't think you will regret this," he said with deep emotion. "Everything I have is now devoted to you and the things which are dear to you. But I won't urge personal feeling on you now."
He pressed her hand in a quick and friendly farewell. In another moment she was alone, able to think of her coming interview with Peter. She had begun to dread this so keenly that in a fit of shrinking she had almost written to him. She feared to see his pain, and trembled for its effect upon herself.
Peter's invitation was for dinner at Arlington Street. Shortly before he came Lady Mary talked with her brother. He had just arrived in town, brought by Wenderby's resignation. He at once looked for his sister.
They greeted in the drawing-room shortly before dinner.
"This is great news," he began. "I came up from Yorkshire with the Chief Whip. He thinks we shall turn them out." He paused, and looked closely at his sister.
"I am very proud of you, Mary," he went on. "You have accepted the work of your life."
Lady Mary had lately seen little of Haversham. His work began utterly to absorb him. She put her hand on his arm.
"Tony," she said, "I sometimes wonder if I'm not losing a brother."
"Mary, dear," he protested, "you are more than ever precious to me now."
Lady Mary sadly shook her head.