“And now, Mr. Linton, I conclude that it was not without a reason you sought an interview at this unusual hour.”
“The old story, my Lord; and as I came to ask a favor, I selected the petit lever as the most appropriate hour.”
“Indeed! you surprise me much how an individual so much forgotten as Lord Kilgoff can possibly be of service to that most promising gentleman, Mr. Linton!”
Linton never heeded the sarcastic discontent of the speech, but went on,—
“Yes, my Lord, you find me, as you have so often found me, a suppliant.”
“I have nothing to bestow, sir.”
“You can do all that I could ask, or even wish for, my Lord. My ambition is not very unmeasured; my greatest desire is to have the opportunity of frequent intercourse with you, and the benefit of that practical wisdom for which your Lordship s conversation is distinguished at home and abroad.”
“My valet is not going to leave me,” said the old man, with an insolence of look that tallied with the rude speech.
“My Lord!—”
“Nay, nay, you must not be offended; I was rather jesting on my own barrenness of patronage than upon your proposal.”