Ferrier's astonishment showed itself in mouth and eyes.
"What I mean is," said Sir James, hastily, "a dramatic, impassioned way of looking at things. It would never do if she were to get any damned nonsense about 'expiation,' or not being free to marry, into her head."
Ferrier agreed, but a little awkwardly, since the "damned nonsense" was Lady Lucy's nonsense, and both knew it.
They walked slowly back to Assisi, first putting their elderly heads together a little further on the subject of Diana, and then passing on to the politics of the moment--to the ever present subject of the party revolt, and its effect on the election.
"Pshaw!--let them attack you as they please!" said Chide, after they had talked awhile. "You are safe enough. There is no one else. You are like the hero in a novel, 'the indispensable.'"
Ferrier laughed.
"Don't be so sure. There is always a 'supplanter'--when the time is ripe."
"Where is he? Who is he?"
"I had a very curious letter from Lord Philip this morning," said Ferrier, thoughtfully.
Chide's expression changed.