unless
you have a despotism, to the conquering side. It is always the noblest. I won't
say, listen to me; only do believe my words have some weight. This is a question
of bread.«
    »It involves many other questions.«
    »And how clearly those leaders put their case! They are admirable debaters.
If I were asked to write against them, I should have but to quote them to
confound my argument. I tried it once, and wasted a couple of my precious
hours.«
    »They are cogent debaters,« Dacier assented. »They make me wince now and
then, without convincing me: - I own it to you. The confession is not agreeable,
though it's a small matter.«
    »One's pride may feel a touch with the foils as keenly as the point of a
rapier,« said Diana.
    The remark drew a sharp look of pleasure from him.
    »Does the Princess Egeria propose to dismiss the individual she inspires,
when he is growing most sensible of her wisdom?«
    »A young Minister of State should be gleaning at large when holiday is
granted him.«
    Dacier coloured. »May I presume on what is currently reported?«
    »Parts, parts; a bit here, a bit there,« she rejoined. »Authors find their
models where they can, and generally hit on the nearest.«
    »Happy the nearest!«
    »If you run to interjections I shall cite you a sentence from your latest
speech in the House.«
    He asked for it, and to school him she consented to flatter with her
recollection of his commonest words: »Dealing with subjects of this nature
emotionally does not advance us a calculable inch.«
    »I must have said that in relation to hard matter of business.«
    »It applies. There is my hostelry, and the spectral form of Danvers, utterly
dépaysée. Have you spoken to the poor soul? I can never discover the links of
her attachment to my service.«
    »She knows a good mistress. - I have but a few minutes, if you are
relentless. May I ..., shall I ever be privileged to speak your Christian name?«
    »My Christian name! It is Pagan. In one sphere I am Hecate. Remember that.«
    »I am not among the people who so regard you.«
    »The time may come.«
    »Diana!«
    »Constance!«
    »I break no tie. I owe no allegiance whatever to the name.«
    »Keep to