"All the more likely to be returned as a Rag by Blackhampton," said Caledonia's daughter. "Don't you think so, Mr. Vandeleur?"
Mr. Vandeleur being a wise statesman, and the question being rather technical, he ignored it blandly.
"Shelmerdine, I think you ought to realize that we can't have him standing for Blackhampton as a Rag in any case, when we have barely enough candidates of our own to go round."
"Yes, I do realize that, my dear Vandeleur. I realize it most fully. Steps shall be taken. Steps shall be taken at once."
"Receive the girl in the Family—a nice girl, too, I'm told—and let us hear no more of it," said the Hostess to Mother, who would not have been averse from striking her for her effrontery.
What a pity it is that diamonds in excess are so demoralizing.
Full and ample forgiveness on the part of Grosvenor Square seemed to be indicated, provided that a proper humility and a reversion to the status quo ante was forthcoming on the part of the erring. Let the young woman be received in the Family, provided that the heir to the barony withdrew his odious candidature for Blackhampton, had said in effect the Leader of the Opposition; and a tolerably easy constituency should be provided for the young man. He might then
