'We were a pretty hot lot at Scone in my time, he said, naming several high officers of state with easy familiarity, 'but none of them had so far to go as I had.
Paul listened patiently, as was his habit. Sir Humphrey's words flowed easily, because, as a matter of fact, he was rehearsing a series of articles he had dictated the evening before for publication in a Sunday newspaper. He told Paul about his first briefs and his first general election, the historic Liberal campaign of 1906, and of the strenuous days just before the formation of the Coalition.
'I've nothing to be ashamed of, said Sir Humphrey. 'I've gone farther than most people. I suppose that, if I keep on, I may one day lead the party. But all this winter I've been feeling that I've got as far as I shall ever get. I've got to the time when I should like to go into the other House and give up work and perhaps keep a racehorse or two' ‑ and his eyes took on the far‑away look of a popular actress describing the cottage of her dreams ‑ 'and a yacht and a villa at Monte. The others can do that when they like, and they know it. It's not till you get to my age that you really feel the disadvantage of having been born poor.
On Sunday evening Sir Humphrey suggested a 'hand of cards'. The idea was received without enthusiasm.
'Wouldn't that be rather fast? said Miles. 'It is Sunday. I think cards are divine, particularly the kings. Such naughty old faces! But if I start playing for money, I always lose my temper and cry. Ask Pamela; she's so brave and manly.
'Let's all play billiards and make a Real House Party of it, said David, 'or shall we have a Country House Rag?
'Oh I to feel such a rip, said Miles when he was at last persuaded to play. Sir Humphrey won. Parakeet lost thirty pounds, and opening his pocket book, paid him in ten‑pound notes.
'How he did cheat! said Olivia on the way to bed.
'Did he, darling? Well, let's jolly well not pay him, said Miles.
'It never occurred to me to do such a thing. Why, I couldn't afford to possibly.