"Yes, he seemed very much delighted at his victory, and is coming up I suppose to consult with other Members of his party."
"Of course he's delighted with his victory. For heaven's sake refrain from remarking on the obvious. Tell me about the election."
"What does your honour, that is, your lordship, want to hear about? What phase of the election, I mean?"
"You had your instructions. Report on them."
"Well, if I may say so," remarked Slyme apologetically, "although he has over a thousand majority, he has very much disappointed the people."
"Why? In what way?"
"He isn't so much of a firebrand as he was. The people complain that he is too mealy-mouthed."
"Less of a people's man, do you mean?"
"I don't say that quite. But he's more moderate. He talks like a man trying to see all sides of a question."
The Count reflected a few seconds, and then snapped his fingers.