“What could you learn from a meringue?” asked Eleanor’s mother.
“My aunt has been known to learn humility from an ex-Viceroy,” said Clovis.
“I wish cook would learn to make curry, or have the sense to leave it alone,” said Arlington, suddenly and savagely.
Eleanor’s face softened. It was like one of his old remarks in the days when there was no abyss between them.
It was during the debate on the Foreign Office vote that Stringham made his great remark that “the people of Crete unfortunately make more history than they can consume locally.” It was not brilliant, but it came in the middle of a dull speech, and the House was quite pleased with it. Old gentlemen with bad memories said it reminded them of Disraeli.
It was Eleanor’s friend, Gertrude Ilpton, who drew her attention to Arlingt
