Up to this moment, the Governor, Lord Eynesford, and his wife had enjoyed their reign.

The Governor agreed heartily with measures introduced by the ministry; and his relations with the government and Sir Robert Perry, its chief, had been based on reciprocal liking and respect -- for they were most of them gentlemen and all of them respectable. And Lady Eynesford's discerning approval of all involved had meant a stellar season at their table.

Suddenly, in the midst of an apparently peaceful session, came what the Governor considered an unhallowed combination -- between a discontented section of Perry's party and the Opposition under Medland. Now the Government was in defeat, and the resignation of Sir Robert made inevitable the rise of Mr. Medland -- a thoroughly unsatisfactory outcome -- not least to Lady Eynseford.