But there's the big estate--and his mother's money--and the
collieries."
"The Vicar tells me the colliers are discontented--all through the
district--and there may be a big strike--"
"Yes, perhaps in the autumn, when the three years' agreement comes to an
end--not yet. Marsham's vote will run down heavily in the mining
villages, but it'll serve--this time. They won't put the other man in."
Mrs. Roughsedge rose to take off her things, remarking, as she moved
away, that Marsham was said to be holding meetings nightly already, and
that Lady Lucy and Miss Drake were both hard at work.
"Miss Drake?" said the doctor, looking up. "Handsome girl! I saw Marsham
in a dog-cart with her yesterday afternoon."
Mrs. Roughsedge flushed an angry red, but she said nothing. She was
encumbered with parcels, and her husband rose to open the door for her.
He stooped and looked into her face.
"You didn't say anything about _that_, Patricia, I'll be bound!"
* * * * *
Meanwhile, Diana was wandering about the Beechcote garden, with her
hands full of roses, just gathered. The garden glowed under the
westering sun.
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