The commissioner was going to make vows of secrecy and protestations of
zeal, but Lord Oldborough cut all that short with "Of course--of course,"
pronounced in the driest accent, and went on with, "Now, sir, you know
my object; will you do me the honour to state yours?--you will excuse my
abruptness--time in some circumstances is every thing--Do me and yourself
the justice to say at once what return I can make for the service you have
done or may do me and government."

"My only hesitation in speaking, my lord, was--"

"Have no hesitation in speaking, I beseech you, sir."

I _beseech_, in tone, was in effect, I _command_ you, sir;--and Mr.
Falconer, under the influence of an imperious and superior mind, came at
once to that point, which he had not intended to come to for a month, or to
approach till after infinite precaution and circumlocution.

"My object is to push my son Cunningham in the diplomatic line, my
lord--and I wish to make him one of your secretaries."

The commissioner stopped short, astonished to find that the truth, and the
whole truth, had absolutely passed his lips, and in such plain words; but
they could not be recalled: he gasped for breath--and began an apologetical
sentence about poor Mr. Drakelow, whom he should be sorry to injure or
displace.

"Never mind that now--time enough to think of Drakelow," said Lord
Oldborough, walking up and down the room--then stopping short, "I must see
your son, sir."