He sank back luxuriously in the big armchair, while Gaunt brought a box of cigars.
“Will you smoke, sir?” he asked quietly.
“Thank you. I suppose you know what I have come about. It was very good of you to invite me to your house. Quite a pleasant change from my office. This room is very restful; and if I were a rich man I should choose just such a place. Ah, I see you have excellent taste in books. Isn’t that a Caxton?”
“Don’t you think we had better get our business over, and then the library is at your service,” Gaunt answered, and the respectful tone removed any suspicion of rudeness.
Sir Keith gave him a quick glance, for he was not accustomed to be answered quite in this way. It was usually his rôle to lead a conversation.
“I will be frank and blunt. Why are you carrying on this insane crusade? You can do no good to the natives of the Congo, and you will only injure yourself. In addition, it is very embarrassing to me as foreign secretary, for I tell you it is utterly impossible to do anything more than I have done. Perhaps in a few months’ time the political atmosphere will have cleared, and then we may be able to do more than make representations to the Belgian government. I may say that, as a private individual, I sympathize with all you are doing. In the past the conduct of the Congo officials has been diabolical, and according to the evidence which I have been receiving up to the last week or so, they are not improving matters. I read your first speech, and I agree with you that the Belgians intend to exploit the Congo until they have exhausted the country. I agree with you that there is no faith to be placed in their promises of reform, and that their present budget proves them to be liars. This is said in confidence, as man to man. I believe I have the reputation of not being callous or hard-hearted, and if it were possible I would intervene at once. But I tell you solemnly and sincerely that at present we can go no farther than to make representations. You are only considering the Congo. I must think of the well-being of the British Empire. The present is a time of great danger, for a spark might start a war which would appal mankind. It is my duty to avoid every possibility of causing a spark. It is my opinion that if we intervene by force, there would be danger of war with another country, and I dare not run the risk. I am not usually a man of many words, but I have spoken at such length so that you may fully understand my position. Now I ask you to cease this public outcry.”
Sir Keith had risen, and stood face to face with Gaunt. Their eyes met, and for a while neither spoke. At last the foreign secretary uttered a little sigh and turned away.
“And that answer is final?” he asked wearily, although Gaunt had not spoken.
“Absolutely. I thank you for coming to see me. I thought you to be a very different man, and I now see that it was a petty act—my refusal to go to you. Pray forgive me.”
“I, too, was mistaken in you, Mr. Gaunt. Whatever may be your motive, I do not think it is an unworthy one. It is a pity that your life has not been different. England can do with such men as yourself. Good-bye.”