Lord Broadstone got up and began to move to and fro, wrapped
in a cloud of thought. He seemed to forget Marsham's presence, and
Marsham made a movement to go. As he did so Lord Broadstone looked up
and came toward him.
"I am much obliged to you for having come so promptly," he said, with
melancholy courtesy. "I thought we should have met soon--on an
occasion--more agreeable to us both. As you are here, forgive me if I
talk business. This rough-and-tumble world has to be carried on, and if
it suits you, I shall be happy to recommend your appointment to her
Majesty--as a Junior Lord of the Treasury--carrying with it, as of
course you understand, the office of Second Whip."
Ten minutes later Marsham left the Prime Minister's house. As he walked
back to St. Pancras, he was conscious of yet another smart added to the
rest. If _anything_ were offered to him, he had certainly hoped for
something more considerable.
It looked as though while the Ferrier influence had ignored him, the
Darcy influence had not troubled itself to do much for him. That he had
claims could not be denied. So this very meagre bone had been flung him.
But if he had refused it, he would have got nothing else.
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