"I acknowledge the head of the family, and the greater carries the less."
"Suppose Jacob should be unforgiving?"
"He hasn't the spirit."
"And she?"
"Her conscience will be on my side."
"I thought it was your theory that she had none?"
"Jacob, let us hope, will have developed some. He has a good deal to spare."
Sir Wilfrid laughed. "So it is you who will do the pardoning?"
"I shall offer an armed and honorable peace. The Duchess of Chudleigh may intrigue and tell lies, if she pleases. I am not giving her a hundred a year."
There was a pause.