“Give me half an hour of your morning, Fossbrooke; half an hour will suffice. Drive out to the Priory; see the Chief Baron; tell him I intrusted the negotiation to you, as at once more delicate to each of us. You are disconnected with all party ties here. Say it is not a question of advancing this man or that,—that we well know how inferior must any successor be to himself, but that certain changes are all-essential to us. We have not—I may tell you in confidence—the right man as our law adviser in the House; and add, 'It is a moment to make your own terms; write them down and you shall have your reply within an hour,—a favorable one I may almost pledge myself it will be. At all events, every detail of the meeting is strictly between us, and on honor.' Come, now, Fossbrooke; do this for me as the greatest service I could entreat of you.”
“I cannot refuse you any longer. I will go. I only premise that I am to limit myself strictly to the statement you shall desire me to repeat. I know nothing of the case; and I cannot be its advocate.”
“Just so. Give me your card. I will merely write these words,—'See Sir Brook for me.—Wilmington.' Our object is his resignation, and we are prepared to pay handsomely for it. Now, a word with you, Mr. Lendrick. I heard most honorable mention of you yesterday from the vice-provost; he tells me that your college career was a triumph so long as you liked it, and that you have abilities for any walk in life. Why not continue, then, on so successful a path? Why not remain, take out your degree, and emulate that distinguished relative who has thrown such lustre on your family?”
“First of all, my Lord, you have heard me much overrated. I am not at all the man these gentlemen deem me; secondly, if I were, I 'd rather bring my abilities to any pursuit my friend here could suggest. I 'd rather be his companion than be my grandfather's rival. You have heard what he said awhile ago,—we are going to seek our fortune.”
“He said to make it,” said Lord Wilmington, with a smile.
“Be it so, my Lord. I 'll seek, and he 'll find; at all events, I shall be his companion; and I'm a duller dog than I think myself if I do not manage to be the better of it.”
“You are not the only one he has fascinated,” said the Viceroy, in a whisper. “I 'm not sure I 'd disenchant you if I had the power.”
“Must I positively undertake this negotiation?” asked Fossbrooke, with a look of entreaty.
“You must”
“I know I shall fail.”