epresents a political cause," the eager Lucy began.

Her father looked quietly round at her.

"Why, Lucelet, my dear, when did you come to know anything about
political causes, or to care about them? I thought you only cared for
the renascence of art--isn't it renascence you call it? I understood
that politics were entirely beneath the notice of all your school. Pray
tell me, Mistress Politician, to which side of politics your father
belongs?"

"Oh, papa, for shame! What nonsense! As if I didn't know. Of course you
are a Liberal--an advanced Liberal."

"Good; and our friend Heron?"

"An advanced Liberal too. Of course I know that you are on his side."

"That I am on his side? That he is on my side wouldn't do, I suppose,
although I am somewhat the elder, and I am in Parliament while he is not
in, and is not particularly likely to be if he continues to be so
squeamish. What are the political views of our young friend the artist,
the poet, the bard, or whatever you please to call him?"

"Mr. Blanchet?" Lucy slightly colored.

"Mr. Blanchet, yes. Am I on his side?"

"Oh, he has no side. He knows nothing of politics," Lucy said
contemptuously.

"Stupid of him, isn't it?"

"Very stupid. At least, I suppose so; I don't know. Oh, yes; I think
every man ought to understand politics."

Mr. Money smiled, and let the subject drop.

When breakfast was over, Mr. Money suddenly said,

"Miss Grey, you always profess to know something about politics. Anyhow,
you know something about Keeton folks, and you can give me some useful
hints about their ways with which I can instruct our dear friend Heron,
as Lady Limpenny calls him. Would you mind coming to my study for a
quarter of an hour, away from all this womankind, and answering me a few
questions?"

Minola was a little surprised, but showed no surprise, and only said
that she would be delighted, of course. Mr. Money offered her his arm
with a somewhat old-fashioned courtesy which contrasted not unbecomingly
with his usual cheery bluntness of manner to women and men alike.

"Not many ladies come here, Miss Grey," Money said, offering her a chair
when they were in the study. "Lucelet looks in very often, to be sure,
but only as a messenger; she doesn't come into council."

"Do I come into council?" Minola asked with a smile and a little of
heightened color. "I shall feel myself of great importance."

"Well, yes, into council. First about yourself. I have been lookin