"We are to understand, then, the friends of Ledwith, that you will do nothing beyond what is absolutely required by the law, and after all formalities are complied with?" he said.
"Precisely."
"We shall have to depend on his English friends, then. It will look queer to see Englishmen take up your duty where you deserted it."
The Minister waved his hand to signify that he had enough of that topic, but the provoking quality of Arthur's smile, for he did not seem chagrined, reminded him of a question.
"Who are the people interested in Ledwith, may I ask?"
"All your old friends of New York," said Arthur, "Birmingham, Sullivan, and so on."
"Of course. And the English friends who are to take up my duties where I desert them?"
"You must know some of them," and Arthur grinned again, so that the Minister slightly winced. "Captain Sydenham, commanding in Donegal——"
"I met him in New York one winter—younger brother to Lord Groton."
"The Dowager Countess of Skibbereen."