The Cabinet Minister - LightNovelsOnl.com
You're reading novel online at LightNovelsOnl.com. Please use the follow button to get notifications about your favorite novels and its latest chapters so you can come back anytime and won't miss anything.
Ah, if we were at Castle Ballocheevin, with the wind roaring round Ben Muchty, and the sound of the pipers playing by the sh.o.r.es of Loch-na-Doich, then you would hear Colin's voice rise loud and high.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
As we are denied these obvious advantages, it is almost necessary to ask you to explain----
LADY MACPHAIL.
The lad has met your child on but three or four occasions.
MACPHAIL.
Just three occasions and a bit, mother.
LADY MACPHAIL.
But he loves her with a love that only a Macphail can experience.
LADY TWOMBLEY.
Of course one would like to know precisely the kind of affection that is.
LADY MACPHAIL.
Naturally. Speak, Colin.
[MACPHAIL rises, embarra.s.sed.]
MACPHAIL.
I love her well enough.
LADY MACPHAIL.
Bravely said!
DOWAGER.
Delightful. [To SIR JULIAN and LADY MACPHAIL.] A grand nature.
LADY MACPHAIL.
Go on, Colin.
MACPHAIL.
That's all, mother. [He resumes his seat.]
LADY MACPHAIL.
[To LADY TWOMBLEY.] You have heard the lad?
LADY TWOMBLEY.
Distinctly.
LADY MACPHAIL.
As we are all to meet next month as Lord Drumdurris's guests at Drumdurris Castle, it would be well if this engagement were settled at once.
DOWAGER.
Without delay.
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
The question, of course, is whether Imogen--h'm!
LADY TWOMBLEY.
Whether Imogen can return the affection----
SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.
Which Sir Colin honours her by entertaining.
LADY MACPHAIL.
Has the lad your permission to pour into her ear such impa.s.sioned words as he has just uttered to us?
LADY TWOMBLEY.
I think there can be no objection to _that_.
DOWAGER.
Certainly not.
LADY MACPHAIL.
When will your daughter grant him an hour for that purpose?
LADY TWOMBLEY.
An _hour_?
MACPHAIL.
Three-quarters will be enough, mother.
