He smiled a tired smile.
"You may be sure that this new paper will last just as long as the Duke desires it to last," said Sir Harry, "but that is beside the question; you know the exact position; you are men of affairs acquainted with the complexities of suburban life, I desire to rid Brockley of this person. How am I to do it?"
Mr. R. B. Rake pinched his thick lips thoughtfully.
"I think a leader on Democratic ideals, bringing in the Duke as an oppressor of the people—"
"You can't do that," said Sir Harry brusquely, "he subscribes to the football club."
"How about an imaginary interview. 'A talk with the D—— de Mont——r?" suggested Rake.
"Or a little parody on Julius Caesar, satirically reminding the people of their ingratitude: like this:
"You hard hearts, you cruel men of Lee,
Knew ye not Tanneur! Many a time and oft
Have you climbed up to walls and battlements,
To towers and windows, yea, to chimney pots
To see great Tanneur pass——"
"Stuff and nonsense!" said Sir Harry wrathfully. "Nobody has ever climbed up a chimney to see me; nobody knows me in Lewisham."
Mr. Rake protested.