‘On the contrary, sir, I have occasion to feel pretty often in every twenty-four hours what an ignominious part a man plays in life who has to affect to be taught what he knows already—to be asking the road where he has travelled every step of the way—and to feel that a threadbare coat and broken boots take more from the value of his opinions than if he were a knave or a blackleg.’
‘I don’t see the humility of all this.’
‘I feel the shame of it, though,’ said Atlee; and as he arose and walked out upon the terrace, the veins in his forehead were swelled and knotted, and his lips trembled with suppressed passion.
In a tone that showed how thoroughly indifferent he felt to the other’s irritation, Walpole went on to say: ‘You will then make it your business, Mr. Atlee, to ascertain in what way most acceptable to those people at Kilgobbin his Excellency may be able to show them some mark of royal favour—bearing in mind not to commit yourself to anything that may raise great expectations. In fact, a recognition is what is intended, not a reward.’
Atlee’s eyes fell upon the opal ring, which he always wore since the day Walpole had given it to him, and there was something so significant in the glance that the other flushed as he caught it.
‘I believe I appreciate the distinction,’ said Atlee quietly. ‘It is to be something in which the generosity of the donor is more commemorated than the merits of the person rewarded, and, consequently, a most appropriate recognition of the Celt by the Saxon. Do you think I ought to go down to Kilgobbin Castle, sir?’
‘I am not quite sure about that; I’ll turn it over in my mind. Meanwhile I’ll telegraph to my lord that, if he approves, I shall send you over to Wales; and you had better make what arrangements you have to make, to be ready to start at a moment.’
‘Unfortunately, sir, I have none. I am in the full enjoyment of such complete destitution, that I am always ready to go anywhere.’
Walpole did not notice the words, but arose and walked over to a writing-table to compose his message for the telegraph.
‘There,’ said he, as he folded it, ‘have the kindness to despatch this at once, and do not be out of the way about five, or half-past, when I shall expect an answer.’