“Well, child, I’m glad to hear it. Remember me to your father and family.” And his lordship cast his eyes down upon his book which he had been reading.
My father’s observations appeared to be well grounded, but I would not leave the room until I had made some further attempt.
“Has your lordship heard from my uncle?”
“Yes,” replied he, “I had a letter from him yesterday. The child is quite well. I expect them all here in a fortnight or three weeks, to live with me altogether. I am old—getting very old, and I shall have much to arrange with your uncle before I die.”
“If I might request a favour of your lordship, it would be to beg that you would interest yourself a little in obtaining my promotion. A letter from your lordship to the First Lord—only a few lines—”
“Well, child, I see no objection—only I am very old, too old to write now.” And his lordship again commenced reading.
I must do Lord Privilege the justice to state that he evidently was fast verging to a state of second childhood. He was much bowed down since I had last seen him, and appeared infirm in body as well as mind.
I waited at least a quarter of an hour before his lordship looked up.
“What, not gone yet, child? I thought you had gone home.”
“Your lordship was kind enough to say that you had no objection to write a few lines to the First Lord in my behalf. I trust your lordship will not refuse me—”