“I think it outrageous,” she was saying. “If some Radical member had done that in Parliament, he would have been expelled from the House. But of course in Parliament they wouldn't have those horrid things to roll down the aisles. Poor dear Humphrey! The career of a gentleman in politics is a thankless one in this country. I wonder at his fortitude.”
Victoria's eyes alone betokened her amusement.
“How do you do, Mr. Vane?” she said. “I'm so glad to see you again.”
Austen said something which he felt was entirely commonplace and inadequate to express his own sentiments, while Alice gave him an uncertain bow, and Mrs. Pomfret turned her glasses upon him.
“You remember Mr. Vane,” said Victoria; “you met him at Humphrey's.”
“Did I?” answered Mrs. Pomfret. “How do you do? Can't something be done to punish those rowdies?”
“Mr. Vane isn't a member of the House,” said Victoria.
“Oh,” exclaimed Mrs. Pomfret. “Something ought to be done about it. In England such a thing wouldn't be allowed to drop for a minute. If I lived in this State, I think I should do something. Nobody in America seems to have the spirit even to make a protest.”
“To-morrow morning--earlier than I like to think of. I have to be in New York by to-morrow night.”
She flashed at him a look of approbation for his self-control, and then, by a swift transition which he had often remarked, her expression changed to one of amusement, although a seriousness lurked in the depths of her eyes. Mrs. Pomfret had gone on, with Alice, and they followed.
“And--am I not to see you again before you go?” he exclaimed.
He didn't stop to reason than upon the probable consequences of his act in seeking her. Nature, which is stronger than reason, was compelling him.
They were on the lower stairs by this times, and there was silence between then for a few moments as they descended,--principally because, after this exalting remark, Austen could not trust himself to speak.
“Will you go driving with me?” he asked, and was immediately thunderstruck at his boldness.
She laughed softly, but with a joyous note which was not hidden from him as they stepped out of the darkened corridor into the dazzling winter noonday.
“I will be ready at three o'clock,” she said.