‘Do you hear anything?’ said a great noble who wanted something in the general scramble, but what he knew not; only he had a vague feeling he ought to have something, having made such great sacrifices.
‘There is a report that Clifford is to be Secretary to the Board of Control,’ said Mr. Earwig, whose whole soul was in this subaltern arrangement, of which the Minister of course had not even thought; ‘but I cannot trace it to any authority.’
‘I wonder who will be their Master of the Horse,’ said the great noble, loving gossip though he despised the gossiper.
‘Clifford has done nothing for the party,’ said Mr. Earwig.
‘I dare say Rambrooke will have the Buckhounds,’ said the great noble, musingly.
‘Your Lordship has not heard Clifford’s name mentioned?’ continued Mr. Earwig.
‘I should think they had not come to that sort of thing,’ said the great noble, with ill-disguised contempt.’ The first thing after the Cabinet is formed is the Household: the things you talk of are done last;’ and he turned upon his heel, and met the imperturbable countenance and clear sarcastic eye of Lord Eskdale.
‘You have not heard anything?’ asked the great noble of his brother patrician.
‘Yes, a great deal since I have been in this room; but unfortunately it is all untrue.’
‘There is a report that Rambrooke is to have the Buck-hounds; but I cannot trace it to any authority.’