"No, no. For the Duke of Mercia's visit."
"Oh! So you're going to do it?"
Dale assumed a candid yet judicial air.
"If I find I can say anything gracious and becoming, without going back on my principles, Phil, I think I shall. Otherwise not."
"I see, old fellow. Think you will be able?"
"I don't intend to budge an inch from my true position for anybody."
"Don't be too hard on the Duke. He's a young man."
Dale became suspicious that he was being treated with levity; he looked annoyed, and Philip hastened to add:
"My dear boy, write your poem, and never mind what people tell you about your principles. Why shouldn't you write some verses to the young man?"
"That's what I say," replied Dale eagerly. "It doesn't compromise me in the least. I think you're quite right, Phil."