--'The President this
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
sans ceremonie, 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
ego et Rex meus 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.
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