Dale was delighted at this opinion, and at Janet's concurrence with it.
"Then I dare say you will be so kind as to express my feelings to Lord Cransford; if he thinks fit, he can let the Duke know them."
The Squire's face expressed surprise, and his daughter's reflected it.
"But, my dear fellow," said Mr. Delane, "what has Cransford's suggestion to do with politics? The throne is above politics."
"Surely, Mr. Bannister," added Janet, "we are all loyal, whatever our politics? I'm sure Sir Harry himself is as loyal as papa."
"Come, Bannister, you press your scruples too far. There are no politics in this."
"I'd rather not put myself forward at all," he said.
The Squire assumed an air of apologetic friendliness.
"I know you'll excuse me, Bannister. I'm twice your age or more, and I--well--I haven't been so lucky as you in escaping the world of etiquette. But, my dear fellow, when the Duke sends a message--it really comes to that--it's a strongish thing to say you won't do it. Oh, of course, you can if you like--there's no beheading nowadays; but it's not very usual."
"I wish Lord Cransford had never mentioned me to the Duke at all."
"Perhaps it would have been wiser," the Squire conceded candidly, "but Cransford is so proud of anything that brings _kudos_ to the county, and he could no more leave you out than he could the Institute itself. Well, we mustn't force you. Think it over, think it over. I must be off. No, don't you go. Stay and have tea with the ladies;" and the Squire, who, as has been previously mentioned, was no fool, left his daughter to entertain his guest.
Janet was working at a piece of embroidery, and she went on working in silence for a minute or two. Then she looked up and said:
"Tora Smith was here this morning. She'll be very disappointed at your refusal to write for her meeting."
"Miss Smith has no claim on me," said Dale stiffly. He had not forgotten Tora's injurious suspicions. "Besides, one doesn't do such things simply for the asking--not even if it's a lady who asks."
"You know, I don't think anybody ought to ask--no, not princes; and I hope you won't do what Lord Cransford wants merely because you're asked."
"I should like you to do what he wants, but not because he wants it," said Janet.