He seemed to express the general feeling, but men were reluctant to acknowledge so disappointing
a conclusion, and the preparations for departure were slow and lingering. They had not fairly begun before Mr. Kilshaw's entrance abruptly checked them. Instantly he became the centre of a crowd.
"Now, Kilshaw," they cried, "you know all about it. Oh, come now! Of course you do! Secret? Nonsense! Out with it!" and one or two of his intimates added imploringly, "Don't be an ass, Kilshaw."
Kilshaw flung himself into a chair.
"They resign," he said.
"At once?"
"Yes. Perry's to be sent for. Medland, I'm told, insists on going. For my own part, I think he's right."
"Of course," said somebody sapiently, "he doesn't want to dissolve with this affair hanging over him."
"It comes to the same thing," observed Kilshaw. "Perry will dissolve; the Governor has promised to do it, if he likes."
"Perry dissolve!"