“I have come,” said Hartleton, “to state to your lordship some strange circumstances with relation to the person named Learmont, concerning whom I have before had the honour of conversing with you.”
The secretary put on a face of alarm as he replied—
“Really? Sir Francis, you must drop this matter—his majesty has only this day in council determined upon a dissolution of the present parliament—of course I tell you in confidence—and this Learmont’s votes in the Commons may be of the greatest consequence.”
“But, my lord,” said Hartleton, “there is good reason to believe that no later than last night he committed a most awful murder.”
“Dear me,” said the secretary, “he might as well have waited till the general election was over. It is really such a very awkward thing to hang a man who can command several votes in the Commons.”
“It may be so,” said Sir Francis, with a smile, “but when people who command votes will commit murder, what is to be done?”
“Ah that’s very true; but uncommonly disagreeable.”
“I thought it my duty,” continued Hartleton, “to let your lordship know before I arrested him.”
“Bless my heart,” said the secretary, “now I recollect there has been a record here to-day containing an invitation to a masked ball which this very man is going to give on Friday.”
“Indeed, my lord.”