In that room three men were assembled round a table; the eldest of whom,
endowed with little grey eyes, a stubbly beard, and that mysterious
something only found in those who have been mayors, rose at once and
came towards him.
"Mr. Courtier, I believe," he said bluffly. "Glad to see you, sir. Most
distressed to hear of this outrage. Though in a way, it's done us good.
Yes, really. Grossly against fair play. Shouldn't be surprised if it
turned a couple of hundred votes. You carry the effects of it about with
you, I see."
A thin, refined man, with wiry hair, also came up, holding a newspaper
in his hand.
"It has had one rather embarrassing effect," he said. "Read this
"'OUTRAGE ON A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.
"'LORD MILTOUN'S EVENING ADVENTURE.'"
Courtier read a paragraph.
The man with the little eyes broke the ominous silence which ensued.
"One of our side must have seen the whole thing, jumped on his bicycle
and brought in the account before they went to press. They make no
imputation on the lady--simply state the facts. Quite enough," he added
with impersonal grimness; "I think he's done for himself, sir."
The man with the refined face added nervously:
"We couldn't help it, Mr. Courtier; I really don't know what we can do.
I don't like it a bit."
"Has your candidate seen this?" Courtier asked.
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