If I'd chosen to
take it I could have been undersecretary---"
"You've told me that so many times, old darling, and I really can't
believe it. The Premier's very silly. Everybody knows that. But he's
still got just a faint idea of the few things the country won't stand.
And you are one of them, you truly are. You don't go down even with the
Primrose League, and they simply worship at the shrine of the great
Ar-rar."
"Fool or not, I'd kick out Pierce as I kicked out Carey if I thought--"
"And suppose I wouldn't let you?"
Her voice had suddenly changed. There was in it the sharp sound which had
so overwhelmed Miss Filberte.
Lord Holme sat straight up and looked at his wife.
"Suppose--what?"
"Suppose I declined to let you behave ridiculously a second time."
"Ridiculously! I like that! Do you stick out that Carey didn't love you?"
"Half London loves me. I'm one of the most attractive women in it. That's
why you married me, blessed boy."
"Carey's a violent ass. Red-headed men always are. There's a chap at
White's--"
"I know, I know. You told me about him when you forbade poor Mr. Carey
the house. But Robin's hair is black and he's the gentlest creature in
diplomacy."
"I wouldn't trust him a yard."
"Believe me, he doesn't wish you to. He's far too clever to desire the
impossible."
"Then he can stop desirin' you."
"Don't be insulting, Fritz. Remember that by birth you are a gentleman.
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