While Felicitas was making his plans with the Prime Minister another member of the Cabinet was listening with astonishment to Geometrus’ story; for Geometrus having travelled to the city in his own electric car made up for lost time by beating the Emperor’s horses in rapidity. Consequently, he arrived at the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or Minister of Finance, about the same moment as Felicitas at the Prime Minister’s.
But Geometrus was not as well prepared with his statement as the Emperor. Moreover, he was unaccustomed at seeking audience of great people, and when he was ushered into the reception-hall of Lord Divesdale he felt exceedingly shy, scarcely knowing how to state his errand.
‘My lord,’ said he, and then stopped short, and blushed violently.
‘Pray be seated,’ said the minister in a kindly tone, for he was well acquainted with Geometrus, and had an excellent opinion of him.
‘I have somewhat to tell thy lordship,’ he commenced anew.
‘What is it?’ inquired Divesdale as he sank back in his armchair, in easy attitude.
‘It concerns Mistress Mercia, the Astronomer Royal,’ he managed to utter.
‘Ah, whatever concerns Mistress Mercia interests me; for she holds my good opinion,’ observed the minister smiling, and giving Geometrus a nod of encouragement to proceed.
‘I am heartily glad to learn that,’ rejoined Geometrus, recovering himself, ‘for she stands in need of good assistance at this moment.’