Mrs. Armitage looked behind her and lowered her voice.
"They do say that Squire's as well as ever he wor," she remarked. "Why, he's going to stand for Grandcourt. In one way that's as it should be. We always had Awdreys in the House—we like to be represented by our own folk."
"Will any one oppose him?" asked Hetty.
"How am I to say? there's nothing known at present. He is to be nominated to-morrow; and that's what's bringing 'em home in double quick time."
"Are you going to the Court to-night, aunt?"
"I thought I'd run round for an hour just to see the carriage roll by, and get a glimpse of Squire and Madam, but I must hurry back, for there'll be a lot to be done here."
"Shall I come and help you and uncle to-night?"
Mrs. Armitage looked her niece all over.
"That's a good thought," she said, "if your man will spare you."
"Oh, I can ask him; I don't think he'll refuse."