Jealousy sprang up sharply in Faversham, though a wider experience of the sex might have suggested to him that women do not generally shower public praise on the men they love. Lydia, however, quickly left the subject, and returned to his own affairs. Nothing, he confessed, could have been friendlier or sincerer than her interest in them. They plunged into the subject of the estate; and Faversham stood amazed at her knowledge of the dales-folk, their lives and their grievances. At the end, he drew a long breath.
"By George!—can I do it?"
"Oh, yes, yes, yes!" said Lydia eagerly, driving her needle into the sofa cushion. "You'll reform him!"
Faversham laughed.
"He's a tough customer. He has already warned me I am not to manage his estates like a Socialist."
"No—but like a human being!" cried Lydia, indignantly—"that's all we want. Come and talk to Lord Tatham!"
"Parley with my employer's opponent!"
"Under a flag of truce," laughed Lydia, "and this shall be the neutral ground. You shall meet here—and mamma and I will hold the lists."
"You think—under those circumstances—we should get through much business?" His dark eyes, full of gaiety, searched hers. She flushed a little.
"Ah, well, you should have the chance anyway."