Lady Rose Bethany's case has shaken everybody, and Horace is nervous.

I don't know how it is, there's a great feeling amongst people about here against women asserting themselves.

You should hear Mr.Barter and Sir James Maiden, and dozens of others; the funny thing is that the women take their side.
Of course, it seems odd to me, because so many of the Totteridges ran away, or did something funny.

I can't help sympathising with her, but I have to think of--of----In the country, you don't know how things that people do get about before they've done them! There's only that and hunting to talk of." Gregory Vigil clutched at his head.
"Well, if this is what chivalry has come to, thank God I'm not a squire!" Mrs.Pendyce's eyes flickered.
"Ah!" she said, "I've thought like that so often." Gregory broke the silence.
"I can't help the customs of the country.

My duty's plain.