"Then in that case he's a man I should very much like to know. What is his name?"
"He told me, Eric Frazer; but it seems that, really and truly, he's the Earl of Strathmoira."
She spoke as if she felt that such a style and title only ought to be uttered in tones of reverential awe--but it was not with any show of reverence that he heard it.
"Strathmoira? I know something of the man. He's an eccentric."
"Pray what do you mean by that?"
This sterner manner suggested something very like indignation; as if she resented what she suspected might be an imputation. He laughed at her.
"I assure you that I mean nothing to his disadvantage; only that he's a person who has ideas of his own, and who puts them into practice."
"Well, and why shouldn't he? If the ideas are not bad ones?"
"Why shouldn't he--indeed! If more of us followed his example we might be both happier and wiser. But--what's that sequel you were speaking of?"
She eyed him as if she were still in doubt as to whether or not he hinted depreciation of the absent Mr Frazer.