Free Jeremy Poldark by Winston Graham Page B

with a
draught whistling under the door and an old man snoring probably in the best
chair.
     
    " I would point out, my dear, said Sir John
in a lowered voice, " that we are Mr. Daniell's guests and that Mrs.
Daniell is just behind you."
    Caroline smiled brilliantly at the younger man.
Sir John does not approve of me, Unwin. Did you know that? Sir John is
convinced I shall disgrace him yet. Sir John thinks that woman's place is in
the home, and not being obtrusive and a responsibility at election times. Sir
John does not look with favour on any woman until she is at least thirty and
past mischief; and even then ..."
    It was while the two men were politely trying to
convince her otherwise that Demelza came out of a side room and saw her quarry
close at hand. She came towards them with less hesitancy than she would have
done half an hour ago, wondering all the same who the tall striking girl was
with the red hair and the fiery grey-green eyes.
    When Sir John saw her he looked surprised.
    "Why, Mrs. Poldark; this is a pleasure. Are
you staying here?"
    For the time, yes," said Demelza.
"There is a big,commotion outside. I wonder if it is to do with this
election?
    Sir John laughed. "It's my belief so....
May I introduce ... I don't think you will have met Miss Caroline Penvenen
although she is a neighbour of yours for part of each year, at Killewarren.
Mrs. Demelza Poldark, from Nampara."
    The ladies expressed themselves charmed at the
acquaintance, though Caroline was summing up Demelza's dress and Demelza knew
it. "I stay with my uncle," said Caroline, " Mr. Ray Penvenen,
whom you may know. I have no parents and he reluctantly takes the
responsibility of an orphan niece, as monks take a hair shirt. So at times I
remove the penance by removing myself; and others wear the shirt for him. I was
but then condoling with Sir John in the matter."
    "Believe me," said Unwin, who did not
look very pleased at Demelza's arrival, "you do yourself less than
justice. If responsibility you are, which I doubt, there are many, who would
have it. You have but to say the word for half the men in the county to be at
your side. And if ---'
    "Men?" said Caroline. "Must it
only be men? What's wrong with women? Don't you agree, Mrs. Poldark, that men
put a false estimate on their own importance?"
    "I'm not sure as to that," said
Demelza. "For, you see, I'm married and am on the wrong side of the fence,
like."
    " And is your husband all that important? I
shouldn't admit it if it were the truth, But,, Unwin, were you not telling me
there was a Poldark to be tried at the assizes this year? Is it any relation to
this lady?"
    "That's my husband, ma'am," said
Demelza, " so perhaps twill be, understood why I hold him in some extra
worth just now.
    For a second or two Caroline looked confused.
She patted her dog's snub nose. "And did he do wrong? What is he charged
with?"
    Gruffly Sir John told her, and she said: "Oh,
la, if I were the judge, then I'd sentence him forthwith to be returned to his
wife. I thought excise men were not classed as human beings these days."
    "I wish you were judge, then; said Demelza.
    "I'd like to be, ma'am, but since I'm not I
wish your husband well, and hope he'll come home again to domestic bliss."
    The conversation was broken by Michael
Chenhalls, who said,
    " They're shouting for us, Unwin. I suggest
we go out on the balcony before they try to break into the hotel.
    "As you please."
    " I'll come with you," said Caroline.
" I like to hear a mob when it is baying."
    " Baying for me?" said Unwin. "
No ... just baying."
    " You as well may get a brick thrown as a
bouquet." "That's as it should be. Spice in the pudding."
    They moved off towards the room with the
balcony, and Demelza was alone with her quarry. at last. 'She
didn't think she would be left so for long.
    "A taking' young lady, Sir John."
    Sir John dryly agreed. " She's but
eighteen, you'll under stand, and a thought high-mettled. She'll settle
down."
    "I am not many years