"The comfort is," said Lady Tonbridge, "that this is a sane neighbourhood--comparatively. They won't get much support. Oh, I don't know though--" she added quickly. "There's that man--Mr. Lathrop, Paul Lathrop--who took Wood Cottage last year--a queer fish, by all accounts. I'm told he's written the most violent things backing up the militants generally. However, his own story has put _him_ out of Court." "His own story?" said Winnington, with a puzzled look. "Don't be so innocent!" laughed Lady Tonbridge, rather impatiently. "I always tell you you don't give half place enough in life to gossip-'human nature's daily food.' I knew all about him a week after he arrived. However, I don't propose to save you trouble, Mr. Guardian! Go and look up a certain divorce case, with Mr. Lathrop's name in it, some time last year--if you want to know. That's enough for that." But Winnington interrupted her, with a disturbed look. "I happened to meet that very man you are speaking of--yesterday--in the Abbey drive, going to call." Lady Tonbridge shrugged her shoulders. "There you see their freemasonry. I don't suppose they approve his morals--but he supports their politics. You won't be able to banish him!--Well, so the child is lovely? and interesting?" Winnington assented warmly. "But determined to make herself a nuisance to you? Hm! Mr. Mark--dear Mr. Mark--don't fall in love with her!" Winnington's expression altered. He did not answer for a moment. Then he said, looking away-- "Do you think you need have said that?" "No!"--cried Madeleine Tonbridge remorsefully. "I am a wretch. But don't--_don't_!" This time he smiled at her, though not without vexation. "Do you forget that I am nearly old enough to be her father?" "Oh that's nonsense!" she said hastily. "However--I'm not going to flatter you--or tease you. Forgive me. I put it out of my head. I wonder if there is anybody in the field already?" "Not that I am aware of." "Of course you know this kind of thing spoils a girl's prospects of marriage enormously. Men won't run the risk." Winnington laughed. "And all the time, you're a Suffragist yourself!"