'Well, I suppose I ought to be satisfied. I wanted you for Lesbia, and I have got you for Mary. Best of all, I have got you for myself. Ronald Hollister's son is mine; he is of my kin; he belongs to me; he will not forsake me in life; he will be near me, God grant, when I die.'
'Dear Lady Maulevrier, as far as in me lies, I will be to you as a son,' said Lord Hartfield, very solemnly, stooping to kiss her hand.
Mary came away from her tea-table to embrace her grandmother.
'It makes me so happy to have won a little of your regard,' she murmured, 'and to know that I have married a man whom you can love.'
'Of course you have heard of Lesbia's engagement?' Lady Maulevrier said presently, when they were taking their tea.
'Maulevrier wrote to us about it.'
'To us.' How nice it sounded, thought Mary, as if they were a firm, and a letter written to one was written to both.
'And do you know this Mr. Smithson?'
'Not intimately. I have met him at the Carlton.'
'I am told that he is very much esteemed by your party, and that he is very likely to get a peerage when this Ministry goes out of office.'