“That being the case, what steps have you taken, or what steps can you take, to secure me a seat?”
“Why, Pem, don't you know enough of public life to know that when a Minister makes an Attorney-General, it is tacitly understood that the man can secure his return to Parliament? When I order out a chaise and pair, I don't expect the innkeeper to tell me I must buy breeches and boots for the postilion.”
“You deluge me with figures, Mr. Balfour, but they only confuse me. I am neither a sailor nor a postboy; but I see Mr. Banks wishes to confer with you—I will retire.”
“Take a turn in the garden, Pern, and I will be with you in a moment. Are you a smoker?”
“Not in the morning,” said the other, stiffly, and withdrew.
“Mr. Heffernan is here, sir; will you see him?” asked the Secretary.
“Let him wait; whenever I ring the bell you can come and announce him. I will give my answer then. What of the despatch?”
“It is nearly all copied out, sir. It was longer than I thought.”
“Let me see it now; I will read it at once.”
The Secretary left the room, and soon returned with several sheets of note-paper in his hand.