* * * * *
Meanwhile, in the House of Commons, Isabel Fotheringham's arguments was
being put in other forms.
On the Tuesday morning Marsham went down to the House, for a Committee,
in a curious mood--half love, half martyrdom. The thought of Diana was
very sweet; it warmed and thrilled his heart. But somehow, with every
hour, he realized more fully what a magnificent thing he was doing, and
how serious was his position.
In a few hurried words with Ferrier, before the meeting of the House,
Marsham gave the result of his visit to Beechcote. Diana had been, of
course, very much shaken, but was bearing the thing bravely. They were
engaged, but nothing was to be said in public for at least six months,
so as to give Lady Lucy time to reconsider.
"Though, of course, I know, as far as that is concerned, we might as
well be married to-morrow and have done with it!"
"Ah!--but it is due to her--to your mother."
"I suppose it is. But the whole situation is grotesque. I must look out
for some way of making money. Any suggestions thankfully received!"
Marsham spoke with an irritable flippancy.
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