“She looks quite over my head,” said Hyacinth, simply. “It’s by no means impossible you may see her. She wants to know my friends, to know the people who live in the Place. And she would take a particular interest in you, on account of your opinions.” “Ah, I have no opinions now, none any more!” the old man broke out, sadly. “I only had them to frighten Pinnie.” “She was easily frightened,” said Hyacinth. “Yes, and easily reassured. Well, I like to know about your life,” his neighbour sighed, irrelevantly. “But take care the great lady doesn’t lead you too far.” “How do you mean, too far?” “Isn’t she an anarchist—a nihilist? Doesn’t she go in for a general rectification, as Eustace calls it?” Hyacinth was silent a moment. “You should see the place—you should see what she wears, what she eats and drinks.” “Ah, you mean that she is inconsistent with her theories? My dear boy, she would be a droll woman if she were not. At any rate, I’m glad of it.” “Glad of it?” Hyacinth repeated. “For you, I mean, when you stay with her; it’s more luxurious!” Mr Vetch exclaimed, turning round and smiling. At this moment a little rap on the floor above, given by Lady Aurora, announced that Hyacinth might at last come up and see Pinnie. Mr Vetch listened and recognised it, and it led him to say, with considerable force, “_There’s_ a woman whose theories and conduct do square!” Hyacinth, on the threshold, leaving the room, stopped long enough to reply, “Well, when the day comes for my friend to give up—you’ll see.” “Yes, I have no doubt there are things she will bring herself to sacrifice,” the old man remarked; but Hyacinth was already out of hearing. XXVIII