Lady Victoria would not have objected to the operation of "being entertained" by Newport, for it amused her to see people, but of course she would enjoy herself very well without it.

She always enjoyed herself, even when she went for a walk in the rain on a slippery Yorkshire road, all bundled up in waterproofs and hoods and things for her poor people--she enjoyed it all.
As for Claudius, he knew that if he went to Newport he must of necessity stay with the Barkers, but as he had not yet learned to look at Mr.
Barker in the light of a rival, he thought this would be rather convenient than otherwise.

The fact that he would be within easy reach of Margaret was uppermost in his mind.
During the last two days his relations with her had been of the happiest.

There was an understanding between them, which took the place of a great deal of conversation.

Claudius felt that his error in speaking too boldly had been retrieved, if not atoned for, and that henceforward his position was assured.