Mrs. Martineau: But even with all the details that we have supplied, I don’t see how he lost his reputation as a politician.
Lady Emily: It is probably only a temporary eclipse. No one’s political career is ever over.
Lord William: If you will allow me to get in a word edgeways, I will tell you the whole story. It was last night—I heard all about it at my Club at lunch to-day—Jordan had promised to make a most important speech. The Prime Minister, depending on him, left the House, but when the time came he was nowhere to be found. The situation was critical, and the Government only just squeaked through. So you see his position in his party isn’t very rosy for the moment.
Ninian: Probably it was cowardice, thought the ship was sinking.
Mrs. Martineau: But where was he?
Lord William: With a woman.
Mrs. Martineau: What sort of a woman?
Lord William: A woman he had picked up.
Mrs. Martineau: Where?