"You'll have some fine opportunities for your 'independent and discriminating support,' Puttock, and I hope your banking account will be the fatter for it."
Puttock made a slight grimace, and Kilshaw smiled complacently. He had great hopes of Puttock, and was pleased when the latter remarked,
"By the way, Kilshaw, here's a friend of mine who's anxious to know you," and he introduced his influential constituent, Mr. Benham of Shepherdstown. The three men stood talking together and saw Medland pass by. Kilshaw, assuming Benham loved the Premier no more than Mr. Puttock, remarked,
"I'd give something handsome to see that fellow smashed."
"Would you?" asked Benham, with an eager smile; Kilshaw promised him a better opening than Puttock. He stepped across to Medland, raising his hat.
"A moment, Mr. Medland. You have not changed your mind on that little matter?"
"The appointment was made this morning," replied Medland, somewhat surprised to see him in the lobby.
"I am here with Mr. Puttock," said Benham, answering his look, "and Mr. Kilshaw."
Medland smiled.