"_Why!_ There are so many '_whys_' that nobody can answer." And with this remark, Annabel felt that her opportunity for confession had quite lapsed. For if the Duchess had thought it right to reprove her for such freedom as she had shown towards Cecil North, what would she say about an act so daring, so really improper in a social sense, as the removal of a ring from her son's hand? Annabel had no mind to bring on herself the disagreeable looks and words she merited. She gave the conversation the political turn that answered all purposes, by asking the Duchess if she was not afraid Piers's principles might be influenced by his friendship with young Atheling. "They were David and Jonathan yesterday," she said; "and as for Cecil North, he is a Radical of the first water." "Lord Exham is not so easily persuaded," answered the Duchess, loftily. "He could as readily change his nose as his principles. But I am seriously annoyed at this intercourse with a family distinctly out of our own caste. The Duke has been very foolish to encourage it." "You have also encouraged Miss Atheling." "I have been too good-natured. I admit that. But as I have promised to present her, I must honourably keep my word; that is, if any opportunity offers. It now appears as if there would be no court functions. The King declined the Lord Mayor's feast,--a most unprecedented thing,--and it is said the Queen is averse to receive while the Reform agitation continues. When it will end, nobody knows." "It will end when it succeeds, not before," said Annabel. "I am only a woman, but I see that conclusion very clearly." It gave her pleasure to make this statement. It was her way of returning to the Duchess the disagreeable words she had been obliged to take from her; and she was not at all dismayed by the look of anger she provoked. "I am astonished at you, Annabel. Are you also in danger of changing your opinions?" "I am astonished at myself, Duchess. My opinions are movable; but I have not yet changed them. Truth, however, belongs to all sides, and I cannot avoid seeing things as they are." "That is, as young Atheling and Cecil North show them to you." "Lord Exham has still more frequent opportunities of showing me the course of events. I have 'influences' on both sides, you see, Duchess; but, after all, I form my own opinions." "Reform will never be accomplished. The people must follow the nobles, as surely as the thread follows the needle." "I have ceased to prophesy. Anything can happen in a long enough time; and I often heard my father say that, 'They who _care_ and _dare_ may do as they like.' I think the Reform party both '_care_' and '_dare_.'" "Have you fallen in love with Cecil North, or with Mr. Atheling?"