“Plenty!” cried the lady. “There should be more. He’ll be in the House by-and-by—a thorn in all your flesh.”
Mr. Germain repressed himself. “If he could get a seat. Want of means would restrict his chances. I fear he is arrogant.”
“He’s able.”
“He believes it. That is his only capital sum, I fancy. But I am not in his confidence.”
“He has the run of your house?”
Mr. Germain again lifted his head. “He is Constantia’s first cousin. My wife is interested in him. She has known him for some years; but she shares my anxieties.”
Lady Barbara was touched by his gallantry, but not put off. “An old friend?” she persisted.
“She is willing to believe him so.”
Lady Barbara nodded her head. She was a stoic herself.