"It was a very mixed company just now, in Amwell."
He frowned a little.
"Very excellent gentlemen, all of them—" I hastened to add. "But I was wondering what it was that drew them all together. I can only think of two things."
"What are they, Mr. Mallock?" asked my Lord a little eagerly.
"Religion or politics, my Lord," I said. "And I am sure that it is not the first."
He appeared to reflect; but he was not a very good actor; and I could see that it was feigned.
"Why you are very sharp, sir," he said. "You have put your finger on the very place—the very place." (And he continued with far too short a pause): "On which side are you, Mr. Mallock? For the country or for the Court?"
"That is a dangerous question to answer, my Lord," I said, very short.
"It is only dangerous for one side," said he.
I nodded, in a grave and philosophical manner. Then I sighed.