“No, no,” said Clowes, shaking his head; “it could n't be that. We have been opposed to this war from the beginning. It was all a mistake, a dead mistake. Aberdeen agreed with us, but we were outvoted. They would have a fight. They said we wanted something to get cotton-spinning out of our blood; and, egad! I suspect they've got it.
“Our views,” continued Clowes, pompously, “were either a peace or a march to St. Petersburg. This French alliance is a rotten thing, sir. That Corsican will double on us. The very first moment any turn of fortune gives France an advantage, he 'll make peace, and leave us all the obloquy of a reluctant assent. That's his view,—that's mine, too; and we are seldom mistaken.”
“For all that, I wish I were back there again,” said Conway. “With every one of its hardships—and they were no trifles—it was a better life than this lounging one I lead now. Tell Mr. Dunn that I was here. Say that I enjoyed your excellent hospitality and pleasant company; and accept my hearty thanks for both.” And with a cordial shake of the hand, Conway wished him “Good-bye,” and departed.
“That's just the class of men we want in our army,” said Clowes, as he followed him with his eyes. “A stamp somewhat above the common,—a very fine young fellow too.”
In less than a quarter of an hour after Conway's departure, Davenport Dunn's carriage drew up at his door, and Mr. Clowes hastened to receive his master.
“Are they out, sir,—are they out?” said he, eagerly, as he followed him into the study.
“Yes,” said Dunn; “but everything is still at sixes and sevens. Lord Derby has been sent for, and Lord John sent for, and Lord Palmerston sent for, but nothing decided on,—nothing done.”
“And how will it end?” asked Clowes, like one waiting for the solution of a difficulty.
“Who has called this morning?” said Dunn, curtly. “Has Lord Glengariff been here?”
“No, sir. Sir Jacob Harris and the Drumsna Directors are all in waiting, and a rather promiscuous lot are in the back parlor. A young soldier, too, was here. He fancied you had asked him to breakfast, and so I made him join mine.”