There is another reason which makes my reappearance in public life impossible.

Not even your subtlety, Borrowdean, could remove it.

I do not even wish it removed.

I mean to live my own life, and not to be pitchforked back into politics to suit the convenience of a few adventurous office-seekers, and the Duchess of Lenchester!" "Mannering!" But Mannering had gone.
* * * * * Borrowdean felt that this was a trying day.

After a battle with Mannering he was face to face with an angry woman, to whose presence an imperious little note had just summoned him.