The telephone rang again at this point and Paul went over to it.
Burke had come to the instrument again.
"We can't agree on the bill in its present shape and it's simply impossible to put it through in your absence. You are being judged by all the committees and some of them don't hesitate to say you are being bought out. If you come down now you may be able to save it. But we are on the point of kicking the bill out or reporting adversely. Can't you come down within an hour?"
"I can't promise. I have a very important engagement here. I might be able to get down by midnight, but wouldn't promise."
"Midnight! The members are dead tired now. Rogers is asleep in his chair and Colfax is dozing on the lounge. If you don't come within an hour you needn't come at all."
"I can't come within an hour."
"What is it? A matter of life and death?"
"Yes, a matter of life and death," Paul answered slowly.
"Oh, very well. Then the old bill is dead, that's all. It's not a matter of question."
And Paul could picture Burke as with an incredulous sneer he hung up, and told the committee to clear out and go to bed.