“But I’m not. I tell you he’ll be angry. I can’t make this speech. I really can’t.”
“You can if you like,” said Dr. O’Grady. “Go on.”
“I stand here to-day,” said Lord Alfred, “at the unveiling of this beautiful statue——”
“Hear, hear,” said Doyle from the door of the hotel. “It’s a grand statue surely.”
“Go on,” said Dr. O’Grady. “You’re doing capitally. Say something about the grant from the Government for a new pier.”
“About what?” said Lord Alfred.
“About a grant for a new pier,” said Dr. O’Grady, speaking distinctly.
“But I’ve no authority. I can’t.”
“£500 will satisfy us,” said Dr. O’Grady. “It’s a mere trifle. After the shabby way the Lord-Lieutenant has behaved to us—but go on, anyway.”
“I have much pleasure,” said Lord Alfred Blakeney, “in declaring this statue—er—open—er—for public inspection.”