‘The best in the world. I don’t see much of her, for she’s always abroad, over the farm, or among the tenants: but when we meet we are very cordial and friendly.’ ‘And the father, what is he like?’ ‘My lord is a glorious old fellow, full of hospitable plans and pleasant projects; but terribly distressed to think that this unlucky incident should prejudice you against Ireland. Indeed, he gave me to understand that there must have been some mistake or misconception in the matter, for the castle had never been attacked before; and he insists on saying that if you will stop here--I think he said ten years--you’ll not see another such occurrence.’ ‘It’s rather a hard way to test the problem though.’ ‘What’s more, he included me in the experiment.’ ‘And this title? Does he assume it, or expect it to be recognised?’ ‘I can scarcely tell you. The Greek girl “my lords” him occasionally; his daughter, never. The servants always do so; and I take it that people use their own discretion about it.’ ‘Or do it in a sort of indolent courtesy, as they call Marsala, sherry, but take care at the same time to pass the decanter. I believe you telegraphed to his Excellency?’ ‘Yes; and he means to come over next week.’ ‘Any news of Lady Maude?’ ‘Only that she comes with him, and I’m sorry for it.’ ‘So am I--deuced sorry! In a gossiping town like Dublin there will be surely some story afloat about these handsome girls here. She saw the Greek, too, at the Duke of Rigati’s ball at Rome, and she never forgets a name or a face. A pleasant trait in a wife.’ ‘Of course the best plan will be to get removed, and be safely installed in our old quarters at the Castle before they arrive.’ ‘We must hear what the doctor says.’ ‘He’ll say no, naturally, for he’ll not like to lose his patient. He will have to convey you to town, and we’ll try and make him believe it will be the making of him. Don’t you agree with me, Cecil, it’s the thing to do?’ ‘I have not thought it over yet. I will to-day. By the way, I know it’s the thing to do,’ repeated he, with an air of determination. ‘There will be all manner of reports, scandals, and falsehoods to no end about this business here; and when Lady Maude learns, as she is sure to learn, that the “Greek girl” is in the story, I cannot measure the mischief that may come of it.’ ‘Break off the match, eh?’ ‘That is certainly “on the cards.”’ ‘I suspect even that would not break your heart.’ ‘I don’t say it would, but it would prove very inconvenient in many ways. Danesbury has great claims on his party. He came here as Viceroy dead against his will, and, depend upon it, he made his terms. Then if these people go out, and the Tories want to outbid them, Danesbury could take--ay, and would take--office under them.’ ‘I cannot follow all that. All I know is, I like the old boy himself, though he is a bit pompous now and then, and fancies he’s Emperor of Russia.’ ‘I wish his niece didn’t imagine she was an imperial princess.’