Herr Haupsehr affected surprise. He respected every minister till he was out of office.
“Oh, yes, not a doubt of it. He thinks he’s more important than his job—a big mistake. A minister’s post is more important than the man who fills it.”
With that Herr Haupsehr agreed. Himself had revered authority all his life. This young man showed considerable sagacity. The job was bigger, always bigger, than the man.
“Yes, he’s the coming man,” Roland went on; “we can see it more clearly over in England perhaps than you can over here. If I were a German I would back Herr Brumenhein with every bit of influence I possessed.”
And, indeed, so admirably did he present the future greatness of Herr Brumenhein that Herr Haupsehr got the impression that he had only to agree to these varnish proposals to be offered an important post in the ministry. It was not stated in so many words, but that was the suggestion. And, in the end, preliminary arrangements were drawn up and a contract signed. Herr Haupsehr showed Roland to the door with intense civility.
“And I was wondering,” he said, “do you think it would be altogether wise if I were to write personally to Herr Brumenhein and tell him that I have met you and agreed to your plan? Would it be wise?” And he stood nervously fidgeting from one foot to the other—the eternal sycophant.
Roland scratched his chin thoughtfully. Then, after a moment’s deliberation:
“No,” he said. “On the whole, no. I don’t think it would be wise. Herr Brumenhein is very busy. I think it would be better to wait till he visits us again in England and I shall tell him——”
“You will tell him all about me and my willingness, yes?”
“Of course, of course.”