'Gently, Hailsham! How have we managed to wander into this discussion? If you are ready, gentlemen, we will go into the drawing-room. One or two ladies have promised to join us after dinner; I think we may find that some of them are already there. Archbishop, Hailsham will stultify himself by dragging religion into the sphere of practical politics yet.'
'I won't rest,' declared the Archbishop, as he rose from his chair, 'until I have seen this man.'
'Be careful how you commit yourself, and be sure that you are in good bodily health, and free from any sort of nervous trouble, before you go. Because, otherwise, it is quite within the range of possibility that you won't rest afterwards. And in any case you run a risk. My impression is that my suspicions will be verified before long, and that it will be seen only too plainly that this person is a grave public danger.'
This was Sir William Braidwood. Lord Hailsham exclaimed:
'That suggests something. What do you say, Trent, to our going to-morrow to pay our respects together?'
The Duke smiled.
'We should be odd associates. But I don't think that would matter. He knows that your opportunities have perhaps been small, and that your capacity is narrow. You might find a friend in Him after all. What a good thing it would be for you if you did!'
Hailsham laughed outright.
'Will you come?'
'I think not, until He calls me. I shall meet Him face to face in His own good time.'