“Why, sir, he is one of the first men we have. It was he that negotiated the Erzeroum treaty, and I heard Sir Stamford Bolter say he was the only man in England who understood the Sound dues.”
“He ran off with another man's wife, and I don't like that.”
“Well, sir, as he didn't marry her afterwards, it was clear it was only a passing indiscretion.”
“Oh, indeed! that view of it never occurred to me. I suppose, then, it is in this light the corps regards it?”
“I trust so, sir. Where there is no complication there is no loss of character; and as Lord Culduff is received everywhere, and courted in the very best circles, I think it would be somewhat strange if we were to set up to teach the world how it ought to treat him.”
“I have no such pretension. I simply claim the right to choose the people I invite to my house.”
“He may be my chief to-morrow or next day,” said Temple.
“So much the worse for you.”
“Certainly not, sir, if we seize the opportunity to show him some attentions. He is a most high-bred gentleman, and from his abilities, his rank, and his connections, sure to be at the head of the line; and I confess I 'd be very much ashamed if he were to hear, as he is sure to hear, that I was in his vicinity without my ever having gone to wait on him.”
“Go by all means, then. Wait upon him at once, Temple; but I tell you frankly, I don't fancy presenting such a man to your sisters.”