is
morning signed and sealed a memorable despatch. He said to me
afterwards'"--etc.

Two diverse effects seemed to have been produced by these proceedings. A
certain section of Radical opinion, which likes to see affairs managed
<i>sans ceremonie</i>, and does not understand what the world wants with
diplomatists when journalists are to be had, applauded; the
old-fashioned laughed.

It was said that Cliffe was going into the House immediately; the young
bloods of the party in power enjoyed the prospect, and had already
stored up the <i>ego et Rex meus</i> details of his correspondence for future
use.

"How could a man make such a fool of himself!" continued Lady Tranmore,
the malice in her voice expressing not only the old aristocratic dislike
of the press, but also the jealousy natural to the mother of an official
son.

"Well, we shall see," said Mary, after a pause. "I don't quite agree
with you, Cousin Elizabeth--indeed, I know there are many people who
think that he has certainly done good."

Lady Tranmore turned in astonishment. She had expected Mary's assent to
her original remark as a matter of course. Mary's old flirtation with
Geoffrey Cliffe, and the long breach between them which had followed it,
were things well known to her. They had coincided, moreover, with her
own dropping of the man whom for various reasons she had come to regard
as unscrupulous and unsafe.

"Good!" she echoed--"<i>good</i>?--with that boasting, and that
<i>fanfaronnade</i>. Polly!"

But Miss Lyster held her ground.

"We must allow everybody their own ways of doing things, mustn't we? I
am quite sure he has meant well--all through."

Lady Tranmore shrugged her shoulders. "Lord Parham told me he had had
the most grotesque letters from him!--and meant henceforward to put them
in the fire."

"Very foolish of Lord Parham," said Mary, promptly. "I should have
thought that a Prime Minister would welcome information--from all sides.
And of course Mr. Cliffe thinks that the government has been <i>very</i>
badly served."

Lady Tranmore's wonder broke out. "You don't mean--that--you hear from
him?"

She turned and looked full at her companion. Mary's color was still
raised, but otherwise she betrayed no embarrassment.

"Yes, dear Cousin Elizabeth. I have heard from him regularly for the
last six months. I have often wished to tell you, but I was afraid you
might misunderstand me, and--my courage failed me!" The speaker,
smilin