Page:The principal girl (IA principalgirl00snai).pdf/275

 "We must look facts in the face," said my lord robustly. "She is an uncommonly able young woman, and one of these days you'll remember that I've said so."

"I don't think I like ability in women," said Mother.

Oh, Mother! And you, by common consent, one of the ablest women in Grosvenor Square and its environs.

"It's a useful thing to keep in the house, though," said the Ex-Ambassador.

Still, Mother was not in the least resigned to what she considered an exhibition of cynicism.

"One is really surprised at you, Lord Warlock—you who know the world so well."

And yet it would be hardly safe to assume that Mother was wholly sincere in her admonition of this elderly diplomatist. She didn't subscribe to his ignoble point of view; she never could and never would subscribe to it; but it would hardly be safe to assume that Mother was seriously displeased that a man of such penetration should entertain it.

Still, she had to labor the Victorian Attitude a little in order to cope with one so unexpected.

"If only she had been a—"

The Ex-Ambassadorial chuckle brought Mother up short.

"We shall see what we shall see, dear lady."