tell us what is going to happen in the next forty-eight hours. I
hear the Prime Minister says it is a matter of conscience, and they
will stand or fall by it."

His hopes and sympathies were notoriously on the Ministerial side.

Youghal greeted Lady Caroline and subsided gracefully into a chair
well in the front of the box. A buzz of recognition rippled slowly
across the house.

"For the Government to fall on a matter of conscience," he said,
"would be like a man cutting himself with a safety razor."

Lady Caroline purred a gentle approval.

"I'm afraid it's true, Archdeacon," she said.

No one can effectively defend a Government when it's been in office
several years. The Archdeacon took refuge in light skirmishing.

"I believe Lady Caroline sees the makings of a great Socialist
statesman in you, Youghal," he observed.

"Great Socialist statesmen aren't made, they're stillborn," replied
Youghal.

"What is the play about to-night?" asked a pale young woman who had
taken no part in the talk.

"I don't know," said Lady Caroline, "but I hope it's dull. If