human
And will you tell me what the devil you mean by authorising your secretary to write these letters?
gpt
Written by Palliser, aren't they?
human
Without a doubt, Tallente acknowledged.
gpt
The amazing thing, however, is that they are entirely unauthorised. The subject has never even been discussed between Palliser and myself. I am exceedingly sorry, sir, he went on,
human
God bless my soul! the Prime Minister exclaimed.
gpt
Where is Palliser? Better telephone.
human
Palliser left my service a week or more ago, Tallente replied.
gpt
He left it at a moment's notice, in consequence of a personal disagreement concerning which I beg that you will ask no questions I can only assure you that it was not political. Since he left no word has been heard of him. The papers, even, have been making capital of his disappearance.
human
It is the most extraordinary thing I ever heard in my life, Horlock declared, a little irritably.
gpt
Why, I've spent hours of my time trying to get this matter through.
human
Dealing seriously with Palliser, thinking that he represented me in this matter?
gpt
Without a doubt.
human
Will you lend me the letters?
gpt
Here they are. My secretary wrote twice to Palliser last week and received no reply. That is why I sent you a telegram.
human
I was on my way to see you, anyway, Tallente observed.
gpt
I thought that you were going to offer me a seat.
human
We simply haven't a safe one, he confided,
gpt
I see, Tallente murmured.
human
In plain words, you've no use for me in the Cabinet?
gpt
My dear fellow, the Prime Minister expostulated,
human
Nothing, I suppose, he admitted,
gpt
What, the old Whig lot? Not a chance! I know you too well for that.
human
No, the Democrats.
gpt
What, the people who have just voted solidly against you?
human
Hasn't it occurred to you that that might have been political strategy? Tallente suggested.
gpt
They might have maneuvered for the very situation which has arisen--that is, if I am really worth anything to anybody.
human
Oil and water won't mix, Tallente, and you don't belong to that crowd. All the same, he confessed,
gpt
I shouldn't like you with them. I cannot believe that such a thing would ever come to pass, but the thought isn't a pleasant one.
human
Now that you have made up your mind that I don't want to go to the House of Lords and wouldn't under any possible consideration, Tallente asked,
gpt
Tallente, he said,
human
I see,
gpt
The fact is, his host concluded, as his fingers strayed towards the dismissal bell,
human
One moment, he begged, as the Prime Minister's forefinger rested upon the button of the bell.
gpt
Now may I tell you just why I came to pay you this visit?
human
If there is anything more left to be said,
gpt
There is just this, Tallente declared.
human
If you had had a seat to offer me or a post in your Cabinet, I should have been compelled to decline it, just as I have declined that ridiculous offer of a peerage. I have consented to lead the Democratic Party in the House of Commons.