Egerton.—"I can continue to live on the salary of a Cabinet Minister."
Baron.—"Possibly; but you are no longer a Cabinet Minister."
Egerton.—"You have never found me deceived in a political prediction. Within twelve months (should life be spared to me) I shall be in office again. If the same to you, I would rather wait till then, formally and amicably to resign to you my lands and this house. If you grant that reprieve, our connection can thus close, without the éclat and noise, which may be invidious to you, as it would be disagreeable to me. But if that delay be inconvenient, I will appoint a lawyer to examine your accounts, and adjust my liabilities."
The Baron (soliloquizing).—"I don't like this. A lawyer! That may be awkward."
Egerton (observing the Baron, with a curl of his lip).—"Well, Levy, how shall it be?"
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?"