She
looked a younger woman, and walked with lighter step.
"I came to see Mrs. Quarrier, but she is out. You, I'm afraid, are
frightfully busy?"
"No, no. This is the breathing time of the day with me. I've just
got rid of our journalist. Sit down, pray."
"Oh, I won't stop. But tell Lilian I am eager to see her."
"She is off canvassing--really and truly! Gone to assail Mrs.
Powell. Astonishing enthusiasm!"
"I'm delighted to hear it!"
The exclamation lingered a little, and there was involuntary
surprise on Mrs. Wade's features. She cast a glance round the room.
"Do sit down," urged Denzil, placing a chair. "What do you think of
Dizzy's letter? Did you ever read such bunkum? And his 'men of light
and leading'--ha, ha, ha!"
"He has stolen the phrase," remarked Mrs. Wade. "Where from, I can't
say; but I'm perfectly sure I have come across it."
"Ha! I wish we could authenticate that! Search your memory--do--
and get a letter in the _Examiner_ on Saturday."
"Some one will be out with it before then. Besides, I'm sure you
don't wish for me to draw attention to myself just now."
"Why not? I shall be disappointed if you don't give me a great deal
of help."
"I am hardly proper, you know."
She looked steadily at him, with an inscrutable smile, then let her
eyes again stray round the room.
"Bosh! As I was saying to Lily at lunch, women ought to have a
particular interest in this election.
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