“Just like what is said of your lordship. By night, as by day, always at work—doing service to the State. Your lordship will pardon me for speaking so freely?”
“Don’t mention it, my dear sir. The business between us requires that we both speak freely.”
“Excuse me for not having asked your lordship to take a seat!”
“I’ll take that,” promptly responded the condescending nobleman, “and a cigar, too, if you’ve got one to spare.”
“Fortunately I have,” said the delighted Swinton. “Here, my lord, are some sold to me for Havanas. I can’t answer for their quality.”
“Try one of mine?”
The patron pulled a cigar-case out of the pocket of his coat. The cloak and cap had been left behind him in the hall.
The protégé accepted it with a profusion of thanks.
Both sat down, and commenced smoking.
Swinton, thinking he had talked enough, waited for the great man to continue the conversation.