Mr. Jenkins murmured pleasantly, "Well, we needn't be blunt, exactly.... But you are quite right, sir; I have business. As you are no doubt aware, I edit a paper—the Patriot—it is possible that you are acquainted with it."
"On the contrary," said Chester, "such an acquaintance would be quite impossible. But I have heard of it. I know to what paper you refer. Please go on."
"Everybody," retorted Mr. Jenkins, a little nettled, "does not find close acquaintance with the Patriot at all impossible. Its circulation...."
"We need not, I think, have that, Mr. Jenkins. Will you kindly go on with your business?"
Mr. Jenkins shrugged his shoulders.
"Your time appears to be extremely limited, sir."
"All time," returned the Minister, relapsing, as was often his habit, into metaphysics, "is limited. Limits are, in fact, what constitute time. What 'extremely limited' may mean, I cannot say. But if you mean that I desire this interview to be short, you are correct."
Mr. Jenkins hurried on.
"The Patriot, as you may have heard, sir, deals with truth. Its aim is to disseminate correct information with regard to all matters, public and private. This, I may say, it is remarkably successful in doing. Well, Mr. Chester, as of course you are aware, the public are very much interested in yourself. There is no one at the present moment who is more to the fore, or if I may say so, more discussed. Naturally, therefore, I should be glad if I could provide some items of public interest on this subject, and I should be very grateful for any assistance you could give me.... Now, Mr. Chester, I have heard lately a very interesting piece of news about you. People are saying that you are being seen a great deal in the company of a certain lady." He paused.
"Go on," said Chester.