"Oh, he has no side. He knows nothing of politics," Lucy said contemptuously.
"Stupid of him, isn't it?"
"Very stupid. At least, I suppose so; I don't know. Oh, yes; I think every man ought to understand politics."
Mr. Money smiled, and let the subject drop.
When breakfast was over, Mr. Money suddenly said,
"Miss Grey, you always profess to know something about politics. Anyhow, you know something about Keeton folks, and you can give me some useful hints about their ways with which I can instruct our dear friend Heron, as Lady Limpenny calls him. Would you mind coming to my study for a quarter of an hour, away from all this womankind, and answering me a few questions?"
Minola was a little surprised, but showed no surprise, and only said that she would be delighted, of course. Mr. Money offered her his arm with a somewhat old-fashioned courtesy which contrasted not unbecomingly with his usual cheery bluntness of manner to women and men alike.
"Not many ladies come here, Miss Grey," Money said, offering her a chair when they were in the study. "Lucelet looks in very often, to be sure, but only as a messenger; she doesn't come into council."
"Do I come into council?" Minola asked with a smile and a little of heightened color. "I shall feel myself of great importance."
"Well, yes, into council. First about yourself. I have been looking into your affairs a little, Miss Grey—don't be angry; we are all fond of you in this house, and you don't seem to have any one in particular to look after your interests."