"Of course there are! I—I should think you must know that, Mr. Maxfield! But I want to put myself in a better position with the world before I can—before I come back to the people I most care for."
"Very good. But it's like to be some time first, I'm afraid."
"As to seeing dear old Whitford again, you know I mean to run down here in the summer; or at least early in the autumn, when Parliament rises."
"Oh, you do?"
"To be sure! And then I hope to—to settle several things."
"Ah!"
"To a man of your experience, Mr. Maxfield, I needn't say how important it is for me to go to Lord Seely, ready and willing to undertake any employment he may offer me."
"Ah!"
"I mean, of course, that I should be absolutely free and unfettered, and ready to—to—to avail myself of opportunities. You see that, of course?"
Maxfield looked sage, and nodded. But he also looked a little glum. The conversation had not taken the turn he expected.