‘I am disposed to say you are, sir,’ was his mild reply.
‘Ain’t we important people this evening!’ cried Kearney, as the servant entered with another telegram. ‘This is for you, Mr. Daniel. I hope we’re to hear that the Cabinet wants you in Downing Street.’
‘I’d rather it did not,’ said he, with a very peculiar smile, which did not escape Kate’s keen glance across the table, as he said, ‘May I read my despatch?’
‘By all means,’ said Kearney; while, to leave him more undisturbed, he turned to Nina, with some quizzical remark about her turn for the telegraph coming next. ‘What news would you wish it should bring you, Nina?’ asked he.
‘I scarcely know. I have so many things to wish for, I should be puzzled which to place first.’
‘Should you like to be Queen of Greece?’ asked Kate.
‘First tell me if there is to be a King, and who is he?’
‘Maybe it’s Mr. Daniel there, for I see he has gone off in a great hurry to say he accepts the crown.’
‘What should you ask for, Kate,’ cried Nina, ‘if Fortune were civil enough to give you a chance?’
‘Two days’ rain for my turnips,’ said Kate quickly. ‘I don’t remember wishing for anything so much in all my life.’