Lady Lucy replied that if not, it would be calamitous. In which she spoke sincerely. For although now the ruler, and, if the truth were known, the somewhat despotic ruler of Tallyn, in her husband's lifetime she had known very well how to obey.
"I have asked various people about the Mallorys," she resumed. "But nobody seems to be able to tell me anything."
"I trace her to Sir Thomas of that ilk. Why not? It is a Welsh name!"
"I have no idea who her mother was," said Lady Lucy, musing. "Her father was very refined--quite a gentleman."
"She bears, I think, very respectable witness to her mother," laughed Ferrier. "Good stock on both sides; she carries it in her face."
"That's all I ask," said Lady Lucy, quietly.
"But that you do ask!" Her companion looked at her with an eye half affectionate, half ironic. "Most exclusive of women! I sometimes wish I might unveil your real opinions to the Radical fellows who come here."
Lady Lucy colored faintly.
"That has nothing to do with politics."
"Hasn't it? I can't imagine anything that has more to do with them."