The letter bore the important
signature of T. Beeswax on the corner of the envelope, and so
disturbed Lord Nidderdale that he called at once for a glass of
soda-and-brandy. When opened it was found to be very nearly a
counterpart of that which Silverbridge had received down in the
country. There was, however, added a little prayer that Lord
Nidderdale would at once come down to the Treasury Chambers.
'They must be very hard up,' said Lord Nidderdale. 'But I shall do
it. Cantrip is always at me to do something, and you see if I
don't butter them up properly.' Then having fortified himself
with game-pie and a glass of brown sherry he went away at once to
the Treasury Chambers.
Silverbridge felt himself a little better after his lunch,--better
still when he had smoked a couple of cigarettes walking about the
empty smoking-room. And as he walked he collected his thoughts.
She could hardly have meant to slight him. No doubt her letter
down to him at Harrington had been very cold. No doubt he had been
ill-treated in being sent away so unceremoniously from the door.
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