Minster," she answered, knowing very well what
was coming; "I am so tired to-night."

"Oh, in that case I can easily postpone my statement. I have a whole
fortnight before me."

Mrs. Carr secretly determined that it should remain as much as
possible at his own exclusive disposal, but she did not say so.

Shortly after this, Arthur took his leave, after shaking hands very
coldly with her. Nor did he come to the Quinta next day, as he had
conceived too great a detestation of Lord Minster to risk meeting him,
a detestation which he attributed solely to that rising member of the
Government's political principles, which jarred very much with his
own.

"Better and better," said Mrs. Carr to herself, as she took off her
dress, "but Lord Minster is really odious, I cannot stand him for
long."

CHAPTER XLII

"Why, Arthur, I had almost forgotten what you are like," said Mildred,
when that young gentleman at last put in an appearance at the Quinta.
"Where have you been to all this time?"

"I--oh, I have been writing letters," said Arthur.

"Then they must have been very long ones. Don't tell fibs, Arthur; you
have not stopped away from here for a day and a half in order to write
letters. What is the matter with you?"

"Well, if you must know, Mildred, I detest your friend Lord Minster,
the mere sight of him sets my teeth on edge, and I did not want to
meet him. I only came here to-day because Lady Florence told me that
they were going up to the Convent this afternoon."

"So you have been to see Lady Florence?"

"No, I met her buying fruit yesterday, and went for a walk with her."

"In the intervals of the letter-writing?"

"Yes."

"Well, do you know I detest Lady Florence?"

"That is very unkind of you. She is charming."

"From your point of view, perhaps, as her brother is from mine."

"Do you mean to tell me that you think that horrid fellow charming?"
asked Arthur in disgust.

"Why should I not?"

"Oh, for the matter of that there is no reason why you should not, but
I can't congratulate you either on your friend or your taste."

"Leaving my taste out of the question, why do you call Lord Minster my
friend?"

"Because Miss Terry told me that he was; she said that he was always
proposing to you, and that you would probably marry him in the end."

Mildred blushed faintly.

"She has no business to tell you; but, for the matter of that, so have
many other men. It does