Lord A. Agreed. [Exeunt.
SCENE IV.—The Athenæum Club. SMOOTH and ATALL at a table.
Smooth. I saw it this morning on the breakfast-table at Lord A’s; it is an admirable article, and I was told is yours.
Atall. (Decliningly.) These things, you know, are always supposed to be anonymous. But I am not sorry that you liked the paper. Did his lordship speak of it? {288}
Smooth. The book was open at the article upon the table. It does you honour. Hits just the happy point,—hints probable intentions, without giving any pledge,—enough to please the Liberals,—and full room for explanation, if any change becomes expedient. The true plan, believe me, for a ministry, in times like these, is to proceed en tâtonnant.—Pray, Mr. Dean, how is the Bishop of Hereford?
Atall. I didn’t know that he was particularly ill. He has long been feeble.
Smooth. These complainers do sometimes hold out. But they cannot last for ever.—We meet I hope to-morrow at the levee. You ought to be there.
Atall. I have come to town for the purpose; having secured, I think, Closewind’s election at Cambridge.
Smooth. Well done, my very good friend! Men of talent should always pull together. Sorry that I must go; but we meet to-morrow. (Shaking hands very cordially.) [Exit.
SCENE VI.—BYEWAYS’ lodgings. BYEWAYS alone, writing.