“I only spoke of going into the garden, my dear Pem.”
“I will do more,—I will take my leave. Indeed, I have important business in the Rolls Court.”
“I shall want to see you about this business,” said the other, touching the despatch.
“I'll look in on you about five-at the office, and by that time you'll have seen Mr. F.”
“Mr. Heffernan could not wait, sir,—he has to open a Record case in the Queen's Bench,” said the Secretary, entering, “but he says he will write to you this evening.”
The Solicitor-General grinned. He fancied that the whole incident had been a most unfortunate malapropos, and that Balfour was sinking under shame and confusion.
“How I wish Baron Lendrick could be induced to retire!” said Balfour; “it would save us a world of trouble.”
“The matter has little interest for me personally.”
“Little interest for you?—how so?”
“I mean what I say; but I mean also not to be questioned upon the matter,” said he, proudly. “If, however, you are so very eager about it, there is a way I believe it might be done.”