the Government could scarcely last its time. We had a meeting and we
attempted to form on paper a trial cabinet. You know our weakness. We
have to try to form a National party out of a number of men who, although
they call themselves broadly Liberals, are as far apart as the very poles
of thought. It was as much as they could do to sit in the same room
together. From the opening of the meeting until its close, there was but
one subject upon which every one was unanimous. That was the absolute
necessity of getting you to come back to our aid."

"You flatter me," Mannering said, with fine irony.

"You yourself," Borrowdean continued, without heeding the interruption,
"encouraged us. From the first pronouncement of this wonderful new policy
you sprang into the arena. We were none of us ready. You were! It is true
that your weapon was the pen, but you reached a great public. The country
to-day considers you the champion of Free Trade."

"Pass on," Mannering interrupted, brusquely. "All this is wasted time!"

"A smaller meeting," Borrowdean continued, "was held with a view of
discussing the means whereby you could be persuaded to rejoin us. At that
meeting the Duchess of Lenchester was present."

Mannering, who had been pacing the room, stopped short. He grasped the
back of a chair, and turning round faced Borrowdean.

"Well?"

"You know what place the Duchess has held in the councils of our party
since the Duke's death," Borrowdean continued. "She has the political