gives her up or doesn't. The real thing to bear in
mind is that if Oliver yields to your wishes, mamma--as you certainly
deserve that he should, after all you have done for him--he will be
delivered from an ignorant and reactionary wife who might have spoiled
his career. I like to call a spade a spade. Oliver belongs to his
_party_, and his party have a right to count upon him. He has no right
to jeopardize either his opinions or his money; _we_ have a claim
on both."

Lady Lucy gave an unconscious sigh. She was glad of any arguments, from
anybody, that offered her support. But it did occur to her that if Diana
Mallory had not shown a weakness for the soldiers of her country, and if
her heart had been right on Women's Suffrage, Isabel would have judged
her case differently; so that her approval was not worth all it might
have been.

* * * * *

Meanwhile, in the House of Commons, Isabel Fotheringham's arguments was
being put in other forms.

On the Tuesday morning Marsham went down to the House, for a Committee,
in a curious mood--half love, half martyrdom. The thought of Diana was
very sweet; it warmed and thrilled his heart. But somehow, with every
hour, he realized more fully what a magnificent thing he was doing, and
how serious was his position.

In a few hurried words with Ferrier, before the meeting of the House,
Marsham gave the result of his visit to Beechcote. Diana had been, of
course, very much shaken, but was bearing the thing bravely. They were
engaged, but nothing was to be said in public for at least six months,
so as to give Lady Lucy time to reconsider.

"Though, of course, I know, as far as that is concerned, we might as
well be married to-morrow and have done with it!"

"Ah!--but it is due to her--to your mother."

"I suppose it is. But the whole situation is grotesque. I must look out
for some way of making money. Any suggestions thankfully received!"

Marsham spoke with an irritable flippancy. Ferrier's hazel eyes, set and
almost lost in spreading cheeks, dwelt upon him thoughtfully.

"All right; I will think of some. You explained the position to Miss
Mallory?"

"No," said Marsham, shortly. "How could I?"

The alternatives flew through Ferrier's mind: "Cowardice?--or delicacy?"
Aloud, he said: "I am afraid she will not be long in ignorance. It will
be a big fight for her, too."

Marsham shrugged his thin shoulders.

"Of course. And all for nothing.