“As you think it!”
“And surely as your lordship also thinks it!” Stubbs rejoined smartly, “that has swept over the country! In these circumstances it is something to hold the seat, which a return to sanity will certainly assure to us at the next election.”
“The next election!” Audley muttered scornfully. For the moment he was too angry to play a part or to drape his feelings.
“But if your lordship is dissatisfied——”
“Dissatisfied? I am d—nably dissatisfied.”
“Then your lordship has the power,” Stubbs said slowly, “to dispense with my services.”
“I know that, sir.”
“And if you do not think fit to take that step, my lord——”
“I shall consider it!”
Another word or two and the deed had been done, for both men were too angry to fence. But before that last word was spoken Audley’s man entered. He handed a card to his master and waited.