’Prepare to encounter it.  In politics I am with the active minority on behalf of the inert but suffering majority.  That is my rule.  It leads, unless you have a despotism, to the conquering side.  It is always the noblest.  I won’t say, listen to me; only do believe my words have some weight.  This is a question of bread.’

‘It involves many other questions.’

’And how clearly those leaders put their case!  They are admirable debaters.  If I were asked to write against them, I should have but to quote them to confound my argument.  I tried it once, and wasted a couple of my precious hours.’

‘They are cogent debaters,’ Dacier assented.  ’They make me wince now and then, without convincing me:  I own it to you.  The confession is not agreeable, though it’s a small matter.’

’One’s pride may feel a touch with the foils as keenly as the point of a rapier,’ said Diana.

The remark drew a sharp look of pleasure from him.

’Does the Princess Egeria propose to dismiss the individual she inspires, when he is growing most sensible of her wisdom?’

’A young Minister of State should be gleaning at large when holiday is granted him.’

Dacier coloured.  ‘May I presume on what is currently reported?’

‘Parts, parts; a bit here, a bit there,’ she rejoined.  ’Authors find their models where they can, and generally hit on the nearest.’

‘Happy the nearest!’

’If you run to interjections I shall cite you a sentence, from your latest speech in the House.’

He asked for it, and to school him she consented to flatter with her recollection of his commonest words: 

’"Dealing with subjects of this nature emotionally does, not advance us a calculable inch."’

‘I must have said that in relation to hard matter of business.’

’It applies.  There is my hostelry, and the spectral form of Danvers, utterly depaysee.  Have you spoken to the poor soul?  I can never discover the links of her attachment to my service.’

’She knows a good mistress.—­I have but a few minutes, if you are relentless.  May I . . ., shall I ever be privileged to speak your Christian name?’

’My Christian name!  It is Pagan.  In one sphere I am Hecate.  Remember that.’

‘I am not among the people who so regard you.’

‘The time may come.’

‘Diana!’

‘Constance!’

‘I break no tie.  I owe no allegiance whatever to the name.’

’Keep to the formal title with me.  We are Mrs. Warwick and Mr. Dacier.  I think I am two years younger than you; socially therefore ten in seniority; and I know how this flower of friendship is nourished and may be withered.  You see already what you have done?  You have cast me on the discretion of my maid.  I suppose her trusty, but I am at her mercy, and a breath from her to the people beholding me as Hecate queen of Witches! . . .  I have a sensation of the scirocco it would blow.’