human
A vacancy at Mendover, said Mrs. Ellison, in awe-struck tones,
gpt
And then, you know, continued the young peer,
human
I want to bring him out as a Tory Democrat, for that is a fine, bewildering sort of thing, that provokes curiosity: you call yourself a Tory and can be as revolutionary as you like, so that you capture votes all round. Why, I’ve got Vin’s programme all ready for him in my pocket: a graduated income-tax, free education, leasehold enfranchisement, compulsory insurance, anything and everything you like except disestablishment—disestablishment won’t work at Mendover. Now, you see, Mrs. Ellison, if I could get Vin properly coached, he has all the natural fervour that unhappily I lack; and after I had made my few little jokes which they kindly take for a speech, I could produce him and say ’Here, now, is the young politician of the new generation; here’s your coming man; this is the kind of member the next quarter-of-a-century must return to the House of Commons.’ But if there is any Delilah in the way—
gpt
No, Lord Musselburgh, she said.
human
No. You need have no fear.
gpt
Tell me, what do you know of this old man?—I can’t make him out at all.
human
I? I know nothing, or next to nothing, he said, lightly, as he gazed abroad on the busy river.
gpt
I remember Vin asking me the same question—I suppose out of curiosity about the girl. My recollection of her is that she was extremely pretty—refined-looking—lady-like, in fact—
human
She is, indeed, said Mrs. Ellison, with decision,
gpt
She hesitated for a moment: then she said, half impatiently:
human
Lord Musselburgh, tell me how you came to know this old man: he could not have sprung out of the earth all of a sudden.
gpt
That was all?
human
Yes.
gpt
You are sure?
human
What do you mean? That is really all I know of the old gentleman: isn’t that what you asked?
gpt
But was that the whole of the interview, if I may be so impertinent as to inquire?
human
Ob, yes, it was, Lord Musselburgh said; and then he added, indifferently:
gpt
Of course I subscribed something towards the publication of a book he mentioned—he had written to me before about the project.
human
Oh, there was money?
gpt
Oh, nothing—a trifle—it is usual when a book is coming out by subscription.
human
Well, I had intended to keep clear of these new friends of Vin’s. I thought it would be more prudent for me to know nothing. It is true, I was introduced to them yesterday afternoon; but I wished that to be all; I thought I would rather withdraw; and let things take their course. But I don’t know that that would be honest and right. Vin is a young man with many fine and noble qualities—perhaps a little too fine and noble for the ordinary work-a-day world; and I think he ought to have the benefit of my sadly-earned experience and callous nature—
gpt
He is my own boy, she continued,
human
I would do anything for him. And I’m not going to let him be entrapped—if that is what all this means. I know he is very angry with me just now; probably he would not speak to me if he were to meet me this minute; but that won’t prevent my speaking to him. I’m going to put my pride in my pocket, Lord Musselburgh. I’m going to find out something more about this picturesque old gentleman, who talks so grandly about the Beatons, and the de Bethunes, and their coats of arms, and who accepts a £10 note—or perhaps only a £5 note?—on account of a book that is not yet published. And if there is any sort of scheme on foot for getting hold of the son of so notoriously wealthy a man as Harland Harris, then I want to make a little inquiry. Yesterday Vin indignantly complained that I was prejudiced, and that I had no right to form any opinion about those friends of his because I would not go along and dine with him and them last evening. Very well, I will go to him, and make up the quarrel, and ask him to repeat the invitation for this evening—
gpt
For this evening? repeated Lord Musselburgh, in tones of deep disappointment.
human
You don’t mean you are going to leave all your friends here and go and dine somewhere else?
gpt
If I can procure an invitation. It is my duty. I’m not going to let my boy be made a fool of, even if I have to sacrifice a little of my own personal comfort.
human
Yes, that’s all very well, said Lord Musselburgh, gloomily,