“The unadulterated truth, I assure you. I am paying you no idle compliment, my child.”
“Thanks,” said Hebe, shortly. “Go on.”
“I succumbed to the imperious need for feminine companionship, sympathy, understanding.”
“Eliminate the first two.”
“Charming naivèté! Delicious frankness! Hebe, you enchant me!” The Hon. Member drained his glass, touched his lips with a lavender handkerchief and beamed upon his sulky hostess. “But, tell me, what do you think of our new Minister?”
“You know what I think. Not that my opinion matters a damn!”
“A mistake, my dear. If you approve of the appointment, then your opinion coincides with my own, and that, in itself, lends it some importance. I feel that Dilling is the very man for the post . . .”
“. . . which is the very best reason in the world for your opposition to his securing it.”
Sullivan laughed, indulgently. He raised his cuff and consulted the face of his watch.
“In ten minutes,” said he, “you will be human. Meanwhile, may I help myself?”