'You will I am sure say nothing unkind to a lady who is supposed
to be in the place she now fills by my authority. But do not let
us quarrel about an old woman.'

'I won't quarrel with you even about a young one.'

'I cannot be at ease within myself while I think you are
resenting my refusal. You do not know how constantly I carry you
about with me.'

'You carry a very unnecessary burden then,' she said. But he
could tell at once from the altered tone of voice, and from the
light of her eye as he glanced into her face, that her anger
about 'The Robes' was appeased.

'I have done as you have asked about a friend of yours,' he said.
This occurred just before the final and perfected list of the new
men had appeared in all the newspapers.

'What friend?'

'Mr Finn is to go to Ireland.'

'Go to Ireland!--How do you mean?'

'It is looked upon as being a very great promotion. Indeed, I am
told that he is considered to be the luckiest man in all the
scramble.'

'You don't mean as Chief Secretary?'