Her moods seemed to change as she spoke of her boys and then of Sir Marmaduke.

Her last remark seemed to argue that her callousness with regard to her sons had not entirely yielded to softer emotions yet.
"In case of my Lord Northallerton's death," she continued lightly, "I shall not put in a claim on behalf of any son of mine." "Whereupon--hem Sir Marmaduke as next-of-kin, would have the enjoyment of the revenues--and mayhap would have influence enough then to make good his claim to the title before the House of Lords ..." He checked himself: looked furtively round and added: "Provided it please God and my Lord Protector that the House of Lords come back to Westminster by that time." "I thank you, master," said Mistress de Chavasse, rising from her chair, intimating that this interview was now over, "you have told me all that I wish to know.

Let me assure you, that I will not prove ungrateful.
Your services will be amply repaid by whomever succeeds to the title and revenues of Northallerton.

Did you wish to see Sir Marmaduke ?" "I thank you, mistress, not to-day," replied Master Skyffington somewhat dryly.

The lady's promises had not roused his enthusiasm.