arising merely from the jeers of his comrades. I'll look up the legal status of stocks."
"Well, see that you look them up carefully, for I have often had my feelings hurt with them on the Stock Exchange."
The Minister righteously did not smile. He was a most serious man for one so young, and gave no countenance to flippancy.
"Will you go in for my plan?" he demanded brusquely.
"Yes; under your direction, and in moderation. You cannot expect me to plunge as if I were the British Government."
"Certainly not; certainly not. I shall be glad to direct, only my name must not be connected with the affair; at least, not for the present."
Stranleigh smiled.
"That is a matter of course. I shall take the blame in case of failure; you will get the credit if the project is a success."
"Oh, I don't mean that at all, but no matter. When will you begin?"
"At once."
"Right. I do like promptness. Well, good-bye, Stranleigh. I'm very pleased to have met you."
"And I you," said his lordship, rising.
