"She might release you," was Ferrier's slow reply.
Marsham flushed.
"And you think I should be such a hound as to let her!"
Sir James only just prevented himself from throwing a triumphant look at his hostess.
"You will, of course, inform her of your mother's opposition?" said Ferrier.
"It will be impossible to keep it from her."
"Poor child!" murmured Ferrier--"poor child!"
Then he looked at Lady Lucy.
"May I take Oliver into the inner room a little while?" he asked, pointing to a farther drawing-room.
"By all means. I shall be here when you return."