"The nature that can let you down—I rather like it, you know!" Lord John threw off. Which, for an airy elegance in them, were perhaps just slightly rash words—his companion gave him so sharp a look as the two were left together.
VI
Face to face with his visitor the master of Dedborough betrayed the impression his daughter appeared to have given him. "She didn't want to go?" And then before Lord John could reply: "What the deuce is the matter with her?"
Lord John took his time. "I think perhaps a little Mr. Crimble."
"And who the deuce is a little Mr. Crimble?"
"A young man who was just with her—and whom she appears to have invited."
"Where is he then?" Lord Theign demanded.
"Off there among the pictures—which he seems partly to have come for."
"Oh!"—it made his lordship easier. "Then he's all right—on such a day."
