“I take it it must be something of importance,” replied she.
“Isn't Cutbill in it?” asked Augustus, mockingly.
“I saw Mr. Cutbill go down the avenue, with his cigar in his mouth, just after we came into the drawing-room.”
“I 'll go and try to pump him,” said Jack. “One might do a grand thing on the Stock Exchange if he could get at State secrets like these.” And as Jack went out a silence fell over the party, only broken by the heavy breathing of Colonel Bramleigh as he slept behind his newspaper. At last the door opened gently, and Temple moved quietly across the room, and tapping his father on the shoulder,' whispered something in his ear. “What—eh?” cried Colonel Bramleigh, waking up. “Did you say 'out'?”
Another whisper ensued, and the Colonel arose and left the room, followed by Temple.
“Isn't Temple supremely diplomatic to-night?” said Nelly.
“I 'm certain he is behaving with every becoming reserve and decorum,” said Marion, in a tone of severe rebuke.
When Colonel Bramleigh entered the library, Temple closed and locked the door, and in a voice of some emotion said, “Poor Lord Culduff; it's a dreadful blow. I don't know how he'll bear up against it.”
“I don't understand it,” said Bramleigh, peevishly. “What's this about a change of Ministry and a dissolution? Did you tell me the Parliament was dissolved?”
“No, sir. I said that a dissolution was probable. The Ministry have been sorely pressed in the Lords about Culduff's appointment, and a motion to address the Crown to cancel it has only been met by a majority of three. So small a victory amounts to a defeat, and the Premier writes to beg Lord Culdufif will at once send in his resignation, as the only means to save the party.”