When the ladies had gone upstairs the conversation became
political and lively. The Duke could talk freely about the state
of things to Mr Boncassen, and was able gradually to include
Tregear in the badinage with which he attacked the conservatism of
his son. And so the half hour passed well. Upstairs the two girls
immediately came together, leaving Mrs Boncassen to chew the cud
of the grandeur around her in the sleepy comfort of an arm-chair.
'And so everything is settled for both of us,' said Isabel.
'Of course I knew it was to be settled for you. You told me so at
Custins.'
'I did not know it then. I only told you that he had asked me. And
you hardly believed me.'
'I certainly believed you.'
'But you knew about--Lady Mabel Grex.'
'I only suspected something, and now I know it was a mistake. It
has never been more than a suspicion.'
'And why, when we were at Custins, did you not tell me about
yourself?'
'I had nothing to tell.'
'I can understand that. But is it not joyful that it should all be
settled? Only poor Lady Mabel! You have got no Lady Mabel to
trouble your conscience.
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