"Mr. Melrose's agent!" she repeated, in wonder. "He has offered you that?"
"He has--on most generous terms. Shall I take it?"
She flushed a little, for the ardent deference in his eyes was not easy to ignore. But she examined his news seriously--kindling over it.
"His _agent_--agent for his miserable, neglected property! Heavens, what a chance!"
She looked at him, her soul in her face. Something warned him to be cautious.
"I know it: but ask Lord Tatham! He's chairman of some committee or other--he'll tell you."
"But perhaps I shall have to fight Tatham? Suppose that turns out to be my chief business?"
"Oh, no, you can't--you can't! He's too splendid--in all those things."
"He is of course the model youth," said Faversham dryly.
"Ah, but you can't hate him either!" cried Lydia, divining at once the shade of depreciation. "He is the kindest, dearest fellow! I agree--it's provoking not to be able to sniff at him--_such_ a Prince Charming--with all the world at his feet. But one can't--one really can't!"
Jealousy sprang up sharply in Faversham, though a wider experience of the sex might have suggested to him that women do not generally shower public praise on the men they love. Lydia, however, quickly left the subject, and returned to his own affairs. Nothing, he confessed, could have been friendlier or sincerer than her interest in them. They plunged into the subject of the estate; and Faversham stood amazed at her knowledge of the dales-folk, their lives and their grievances. At the end, he drew a long breath.
"Oh, yes, yes, _yes_!" said Lydia eagerly, driving her needle into the sofa cushion. "You'll reform him!"
"He's a tough customer. He has already warned me I am not to manage his estates like a Socialist."
"No--but like a human being!" cried Lydia, indignantly--"that's all we want. Come and talk to Lord Tatham!"
"Under a flag of truce," laughed Lydia, "and this shall be the neutral ground. You shall meet here--and mamma and I will hold the lists."
"You think--under those circumstances--we should get through much business?" His dark eyes, full of gaiety, searched hers. She flushed a little.
"Ah, well, you should have the chance anyway."
Faversham rose unwillingly to go. Lydia bent forward, listening.