Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/115

 "With all submission, it's a matter for me. I find the present arrangement entirely satisfactory, and I don't recognize the right of anyone to interfere."

The Duke's tone grated like a file upon his sister's ear. This was an ancient quarrel that in one form or another had been going on for very many years. The housekeeper at Buntisford and more recently at Bridport House had been a thorn in the flesh of Charlotte almost from the day her sister-in-law died, but the Duke had always been Mrs. Sanderson's champion. Time and again her overthrow had been decided upon by the ladies of the Family, but up till now the perverse determination of his Grace had proved too much for them and all their careful schemes.

They had reached the usual impasse. Therefore, for the time being, Charlotte had once more to swallow her feelings. Besides, other matters were in the air, matters of an interest more vital if of a nature less permanent.

As a preliminary it was necessary to glance at Muriel and her vagaries, before coming to grips with the even more momentous affair which had just been brought to Lady Wargrave's notice. In answer to his sister's, "What have you said to Maclean?" the Duke, who had swallowed most of the formulas and had digested them pretty thoroughly, expressed himself characteristically.

"I told him that before I could even begin to consider the question he would have to rat."

"Was that wise?" said Charlotte, frowning. "Why commit oneself to the possibility of having to take the man seriously?"

Her brother laughed. "He's a very sharp fellow. A