I don't want to be offensive, Mr.Orme, but I'm afraid both our fathers are in the same category.

And that both would sacrifice anything or anyone to gain their ends." Stafford laughed again.
"You're altogether wrong, Miss Falconer," he said.

"I happen to know that my governor is one of the most generous and tender-hearted of men and that whatever he has gained it is by fair means, and by no sacrifice of others." She shrugged her shoulders.
"I envy your faith in him.

But then you are a very enviable man, I'm told." "As how ?" asked Stafford.

"Pretty here, isn't it?
Here's one of those beastly steamers coming: they spoil the lake, but they're very convenient, I suppose." She glanced at the big steamer puffing towards them obtrusively and sending a trail of smoke across the green and violet of the hills.
"Oh, I'm told you are the most popular man in London; that you have the world at your feet, that you are only waiting to see which duchess you prefer to throw your handkerchief to--" Stafford coloured.
"What rot!--I beg your pardon, Miss Falconer.