During the last few days he had noticed reports in the French papers connecting Gaunt with the Congo agitation, but it was not until the journey to London that he realized there was anything serious in the matter.
It chanced that there was a lack of interesting news at the moment and editors had seized upon John Gaunt to make the sensation of the hour. The Daily Comet had started its special commissioner to work, and that gifted penman could raise a storm where all was peace, and he was accordingly paid the salary of a cabinet minister.
Now Lord Lynton’s one failing was an overweening pride in his name, and he felt hurt that Gaunt’s action should have brought about those disgraceful comments which would naturally reflect upon his sister, for the Comet was suggesting that his brother-in-law was a most undesirable person; and so the Earl was determined that the Congo crusade must come to an end.
As a matter of fact he knew but little of Gaunt’s character, for they had met on very few occasions, and each time there had been a little natural embarrassment on his part, for his future brother-in-law had quietly insisted on paying his debts, and settling upon him and his heirs a sum of money which had made him comfortably well off, if not rich. Lord Lynton had demurred to accepting these favors, even at the hands of a future relative, but Gaunt had taken no notice of his protests and had merely given instructions to the family solicitors, and the Earl had found that his debts had been paid and the settlement executed. After all Lady Mildred was making a sacrifice in marrying a mere financier, and it was very comforting to think that the worry of a heavy load of debt had been removed from her mind.
At Victoria Station Lord Lynton jumped into a taxi-cab, and drove straight to the foreign office, where he was received almost immediately by Sir Keith Hamilton.
“I am sorry to have brought you from your arduous duties so abruptly,” the foreign secretary remarked by way of greeting, and there was a twinkle in his eye.
Sir Keith had the reputation of being a strong minister, and perhaps it was owing to the fact that he knew when to remain silent. His speeches in the House were of admirable terseness, and he had made a point of steering as clear as possible of party conflicts, so that he enjoyed the respect and confidence of each side of the House. It was rarely that any rash member tried to cross swords with him, for he possessed a biting wit that was used unsparingly, greatly to the discomfiture of his adversaries.
Lord Lynton smiled but made no answer to the remark.
“As a matter of fact I want you here only because you are the brother-in-law of John Gaunt. I suppose that in the moments that you can spare from society you do sometimes study international politics, and you are probably aware that there is room for improvement in the present position. I am referring more particularly to Germany, but I don’t blame them more than ourselves. If war ever takes place between us, it will have been brought about by the press. The position is such that we have to avoid every possibility of disagreement, and your worthy brother-in-law is embarrassing me considerably. The Congo must be a great question in the future, and I am anxious to delay the day as much as possible. The Free State is surrounded by colonies owned by England, France, and Germany, and each country would like the largest slice when the division takes place. Unfortunately Germany is absurdly jealous of England, and we reciprocate the feeling just as absurdly. Therefore they will look upon any step we may take with the greatest suspicion, and we should return the compliment. Do you follow me?”
“Yes, I think so,” Lord Lynton answered quietly.