s of
disorder in Ireland, than for its cowardly and treacherous treatment
of women. She made no attempt to spare Frank's feelings. Indeed, she
pointed many of her remarks by uncomplimentary references to Lord
Torrington, Secretary of State for War, and the immediate chief of Mr.
Edward Mannix, M.P. Lord Torrington, so the public understood, was the
most dogged and determined opponent of the enfranchisement of women. He
absolutely refused to receive deputations of ladies and had more than
once said publicly that he was in entire agreement with a statement
attributed to the German Emperor, by which the energies of women
were confined to babies, baking and bazaars for church purposes. Miss
Lentaigne scorched this sentiment with invective, and used language
about Lord Torrington which was terrific. Her abandonment of the cause
of Christian Science appeared to be as complete as the most enthusiastic
general practitioner could desire. Frank was exceedingly uncomfortable.
Priscilla was demure and silent.

When Miss Lentaigne, followed by Priscilla, left the room, Sir Lucius
became confidential and friendly. He pushed the decanter of port towards
Frank.

"Fill up your glass, my boy," he said. "After your long day on the sea----
By the way I hope your aunt--I keep forgetting that she's not your
aunt--I hope she didn't say anything at dinner to hurt your feelings.
You mustn't mind, you know. We're all rather hot about politics in this
country. Have to be with the way these infernal Leagues and things are
going on. You don't understand, of course, Frank. Nor does your father.
If he did he wouldn't vote with that gang. Your aunt--I mean to say my
sister is--well, you saw for yourself. She usedn't to be, you know. It's
only quite lately that she's taken the subject up. And there's something
in it. I can't deny that there's something in it. She's a clever woman,
There's always something in what she says. Though she pushes things too
far sometimes. So does Torrington, it appears. Only he pushes them the
other way. I think he goes too far, quite too far. Of course, my sister
does too, in the opposite direction."

Sir Lucius sighed.

"It's all right, Uncle Lucius," said Frank. "I don't mind a bit. I'm not
well enough up in these things to answer Miss Lentaigne. If father was
here----"

"What's that? Is your father coming here?"

"Oh, no," said Frank. "He's in Schlangenbad."

"Of course, of course. By the way, your father's pret