The Baron.—“You know, my dear fellow, it is not my character to be hard on any one, least of all upon an old friend. And if you really think there is a chance of your return to office, which you apprehend that an esclandre as to your affairs at present might damage, why, let us see if we can conciliate matters. But, first, mon cher, in order to become a Minister, you must at least have a seat in Parliament; and, pardon me the question, how the deuce are you to find one?”
Egerton.—“It is found.”
The Baron.—“Ah, I forgot the £5000 you last borrowed.”
Egerton.—“No; I reserve that sum for another purpose.”
The Baron, (with a forced laugh.)—“Perhaps to defend yourself against the actions you apprehend from me?”
Egerton.—“You are mistaken. But to soothe your suspicions, I will tell you plainly, that finding any sum I might have insured on my life would be liable to debts preincurred, and (as you will be my sole creditor) might thus at my death pass back to you; and doubting whether, indeed, any office would accept my insurance, I appropriate that sum to the relief of my conscience. I intend to bestow it, while yet in life, upon my late wife’s kinsman, Randal Leslie. And it is solely the wish to do what I consider an act of justice, that has prevailed with me to accept a favour from the hands of Harley L’Estrange, and to become again the member for Lansmere.”
The Baron.—“Ha!—Lansmere! You will stand for Lansmere?”
Egerton, (wincing.)—“I propose to do so.”
The Baron.—“I believe you will be opposed, subjected to even a sharp contest. Perhaps you may lose your election.”
Egerton.—“If so, I resign myself, and you can foreclose on my estates.”