'Because the first lord must sit in the Cabinet, and to do that he must be a thorough politician.'
'D—— politicians! craving the ladies' pardon,' said Uncle Bat.
'Amen!' said Alaric.
Uncle Bat, thinking that he had thoroughly carried his point, finished his grog, took up his candlestick, and toddled off to bed.
'Well, I think I have done something towards carrying my point,' said Alaric.
'I didn't think you were half so cunning,' said Linda, laughing.
'I cannot think how you can condescend to advocate opinions diametrically opposed to your own convictions,' said Norman, somewhat haughtily.
'Fee, fo, fum!' said Alaric.
'What is it all about?' said Mrs. Woodward.
'Alaric wants to do all he can to ingratiate himself with Uncle Bat,' said Gertrude; 'and I am sure he's going the right way to work.'