Ferrier's hazel eyes, set and
almost lost in spreading cheeks, dwelt upon him thoughtfully.
"All right; I will think of some. You explained the position to Miss
Mallory?"
"No," said Marsham, shortly. "How could I?"
The alternatives flew through Ferrier's mind: "Cowardice?--or delicacy?"
Aloud, he said: "I am afraid she will not be long in ignorance. It will
be a big fight for her, too."
Marsham shrugged his thin shoulders.
"Of course. And all for nothing. Hullo, Fleming!--do you want me?"
For the Liberal Chief Whip had paused beside them where they stood, in a
corner of the smoking-room, as though wishing to speak to one or other
of them, yet not liking to break up their conversation.
"Don't let me interrupt," he said to Marsham. "But can I have a word
presently?"
"Now, if you like."
"Come to the Terrace," said the other, and they went out into the gray
of a March afternoon. There they walked up and down for some time,
engaged in an extremely confidential conversation. Signs of a general
election were beginning to be strong and numerous. The Tory Government
was weakening visibly, and the Liberals felt themselves in sight of an
autumn, if not a summer, dissolution.
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