Anstruther, the youngest Cabinet Minister, and Lord Redford's nephew, joined in the conversation.
"I can tell you something for a fact," he said. "My cousin is Lady-in-Waiting, and she's been up in town for a few days, and she asked me about Mannering. A Certain Personage thinks very highly of him indeed. Told some one that Mr. Mannering was the most statesman-like politician in the service of his country. I believe he'd sooner see Mannering Prime Minister than any one."
"But he has no following," Borrowdean objected.
"I think," Berenice said, slowly, "that he keeps as far aloof as possible for one reason, and one reason only. He avoids friendship, but he makes no enemies. He cultivates a neutral position whenever he can. What he is looking forward to, I am sure, is to found a coalition Government."
"It is very possible," Lord Redford remarked. "I wonder if he will ask me to join."
"Always selfish," Berenice laughed. "You men are all alike!"
"On the contrary," Lord Redford answered, "my interest was purely patriotic. I cannot imagine the affairs of the country flourishing deprived of my valuable services. Let us go and wander through the crowd. Members of a Government in extremes like ours ought not to whisper together in corners. It gives rise to comment."
Anstruther came hurrying up. He drew Redford on one side.
"Mannering is here," he said, quietly. "Just arrived from Sandringham. He is looking for you."
Almost as he spoke Mannering appeared. He did not at first see Berenice, and from the corner where she stood she watched him closely.