“He would never get in for Tooting again. The Liberals have got a very strong candidate—Sir Thomas Huggins, a baronet. I dare say your ladyship knows him?”
Her ladyship was not quite sure whether she had met Sir Thomas Huggins.
“His social influence here is very strong. His wife, Lady Huggins, gives a garden-party every summer, and many Primrose Dames go to it. We are beginning to be afraid for the seat, as it is.”
“Then you consider, speaking as a judge of the political situation, that if Mr. Hammond were to marry beneath him, instead of making such a match as it is in his power to do, it would seriously affect his prospects?”
“It would be fatal to them, my lady.”
The marchioness looked up at the ceiling.
“What a pity he has no wise and candid friend to point this out to him, and remonstrate with him on behalf of the—er—the party!”
Curiously enough, there was just such a wise and candid friend in the room ready and willing to undertake the task.
“Your ladyship may leave it to me,” said the eager alderman. “I will take it on myself to point out to Mr. Hammond the—the—”
“Political situation,” suggested Despencer.