human
Is Baron Levy still waiting?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
Admit him.
gpt
I beg your pardon, Levy, said the ex-minister,
human
My dear fellow, returned the Baron,
gpt
I am to conclude, then, that you wish to bring our accounts to a close. Whenever you will, Levy.
human
I can continue to live on the salary of a Cabinet Minister.
gpt
Possibly; but you are no longer a Cabinet Minister.
human
You have never found me deceived in a political prediction. Within twelve months (should life be spared to me) I shall be in office again. If the same to you, I would rather wait till then, formally and amicably to resign to you my lands and this house. If you grant that reprieve, our connection can thus close, without the _éclat_ and noise, which may be invidious to you, as it would be disagreeable to me. But if that delay be inconvenient, I will appoint a lawyer to examine your accounts, and adjust my liabilities.
gpt
I don't like this. A lawyer! That may be awkward.
human
Well, Levy, how shall it be?
gpt
You know, my dear fellow, it is not my character to be hard on any one, least of all upon an old friend. And if you really think there is a chance of your return to office, which you apprehend that an _esclandre_ as to your affairs at present might damage, why, let us see if we can conciliate matters. But, first, _mon cher_, in order to become a Minister, you must at least have a seat in Parliament; and, pardon me the question, how the deuce are you to find one?
human
It is found.
gpt
Ah, I forgot the £5000 you last borrowed.
human
No; I reserve that sum for another purpose.
gpt
Perhaps to defend yourself against the actions you apprehend from me?
human
You are mistaken. But to soothe your suspicions, I will tell you plainly, that finding any sum I might have insured on my life would be liable to debts pre-incurred, and (as you will be my sole creditor) might thus at my death pass back to you; and doubting whether, indeed, any office would accept my insurance, I appropriate that sum to the relief of my conscience. I intend to bestow it, while yet in life, upon my late wife's kinsman, Randal Leslie. And it is solely the wish to do what I consider an act of justice, that has prevailed with me to accept a favor from the hands of Harley L'Estrange, and to become again the member for Lansmere.
gpt
Ha!--Lansmere! You will stand for Lansmere?
human
I propose to do so?
gpt
I believe you will be opposed, subjected to even a sharp contest. Perhaps you may lose your election.
human
If so, I resign myself, and you can foreclose on my estates.
gpt
Look you, Egerton, I shall be too happy to do you a favor.
human
Favor! No, Baron Levy, I ask from you no favor. Dismiss all thought of rendering me one. It is but a consideration of business on both sides. If you think it better that we shall at once settle our accounts, my lawyer shall investigate them. If you agree to the delay I request, my lawyer shall give you no trouble; and all that I have, except hope and character, pass to your hands without a struggle.
gpt
Inflexible and ungracious, favor or not--put it as you will--I accede, provided first, that you allow me to draw up a fresh deed, which will accomplish your part of the compact; and secondly, that we saddle the proposed delay with the condition that you do not lose your election.
human
Agreed. Have you any thing further to say?
gpt
Nothing, except that, if you require more money, I am still at your service.
human
I thank you. No; I owe no man aught except yourself. I shall take the occasion of my retirement from office to reduce my establishment. I have calculated already, and provided for the expenditure I need, up to the date I have specified, and I shall have no occasion to touch the £5000 that I still retain.
gpt
Your young friend, Mr. Leslie, ought to be very grateful to you, said the Baron, rising.
human
I have met him in the world--a lad of much promise and talent. You should try and get him also into Parliament.
gpt
You are a good judge of the practical abilities and merits of men, as regards worldly success. Do you really think Randal Leslie calculated for public life--for a Parliamentary career?
human
Indeed I do.
gpt
Parliament without fortune--'tis a sharp trial; still he is prudent, abstemious, energetic, persevering; and at the onset, under my auspices and advice, he might establish a position beyond his years.
human
It strikes me that we might possibly get him into the next Parliament; or, as that is not likely to last long, at all events into the Parliament to follow--not for one of the boroughs which will be swept away, but for a permanent seat, and without expense.
gpt
Ay--and how?
human
Give me a few days to consider. An idea has occurred to me. I will call again if I find it practicable. Good day to you, Egerton, and success to your election for Lansmere.