"There is one thing I would like you to do very much--only I do not know if it could be managed. Last week, Her Ladyship allowed me to go with Miss Arabella d'Estaire to see the House of Commons. I would so much like to see the House of Lords and hear a debate there before the Easter recess. I am trying to study politics." "That will not be very difficult. I can get an order from Blackrod; there will be something to listen to next week, when I believe my aunt will be in town. I shall love to gratify your wish, Katherine." "We must ask Lady Garribardine first if I may." "Model of circumspection! Of course." Then the company drifted from the tea table and Miss Bush returned to her sanctum, while Gerard Strobridge went up to his aunt's sitting-room. They talked of numbers of things, and at last that lady said: "G.,--more than ever I understand your passion for my secretary. I do not even find your fidelity ridiculous; she is one of the most fascinating creatures I have ever met. A masterpiece of balance and common sense, she will rise to the highest position one day--mark my words, boy!" "I daresay--I cannot feel interested in that. I am still horribly in love. I thought Teheran had dulled the ache for her, but it has not." Lady Garribardine sighed as she arranged a cushion. "I live in terror that one day she will come and tell me quite honestly that she has learned all that my situation can teach her, and that she is going on to something new." "She could not be so ungrateful." "It would not be ingratitude--she works for money, not for love. It would be part of her plan of life. Sentimental emotion does not enter into it--that is what makes her so interesting, and so invaluable." "But I know, Seraphim, that she has a deep affection for you--she has expressed it to me many times. You are her model for all fine conduct and point of view." "Yes--the girl is devoted to me, I think. Well, we must hope that she is content here, for I do not know how I could quite get on without her. I have had her down for a little at each party during the winter, G. She literally devours bores for me, and gets all the cranks into good tempers. And all the women like her; that shows triumphant astuteness on her part." "Triumphant! You did not after all marry her to Sir John while I was away. I almost hoped that you would do so when I left in October." "Sir John was willing; he wanted but a hint from me to have shown all the ardour of a young lover. One even pictured verses--it is in this way that it takes aged politicians. One imagined a discreet wedding and almost by now the inevitable preparatory layette!--But Miss Bush would have none of it! When I approached her upon the subject she looked me straight in the face and said quite respectfully, but with a hauteur befitting a D'Estaire, that she had other views, and while sensible of my kindness she must decline the honour! I was immensely diverted."