"Ah!" Mr. Selingman murmured. "Mr. Spencer Wyatt! He is the gentleman who clamours so hard and fights so well for his navy estimates. Last time, though, not all his eloquence could prevail. They were cut down almost a half, eh?"
"I believe that was so," Norgate admitted.
"Mr. Spencer Wyatt, eh?" Selingman continued, his eyes fixed upon the ceiling. "Well, well, one cannot wonder at his attitude. It is not his role to pose as an economist. He is responsible for the navy. Naturally he wants a big navy. I wonder what his influence in the Cabinet really is."
"As to that," Norgate observed, "I know no more than the man in the street."
"Naturally," Mr. Selingman agreed. "I was thinking to myself."
There was a brief silence. Norgate glanced around the room.
"I don't see Mrs. Benedek here this afternoon," he remarked.
Selingman shook his head solemnly.
"The inquest on the death of that poor fellow Baring is being held to-day," he explained. "That is why she is staying away. A sad thing that, Norgate—a very sad happening."
"It was indeed."