Still, he
possessed a peculiar influence in Society, because it was known to be
impossible to get him to look at things in a complicated way. He was
regarded rather as a last resort, however. "Bad as that? Well, there's
old Fitz-Harold! Try him! He won't advise you, but he'll say something."
And in the heart of that irreverent young man, Harbinger, there stirred
a sort of misgiving. Had he expressed himself too freely? Had he said
anything too thick? He had forgotten the old boy! Stirring Bertie up
with his foot, he murmured "Forgot you didn't know, sir. Bertie will
explain."
Thus called on, Bertie, opening his lips a very little way, and fixing
his half-closed eyes on his great-uncle, explained. There was a lady at
the cottage--a nice woman--Mr. Courtier knew her--old Miltoun went there
sometimes--rather late the other evening--these devils were making the
most of it--suggesting--lose him the election, if they didn't look out.
Perfect rot, of course!
In his opinion, old Miltoun, though as steady as Time, had been a flat
to let the woman come out with him on to the Green, showing clearly
where he had been, when he ran to Courtier's rescue. You couldn't play
about with women who had no form that anyone knew anything of, however
promising they might look.
Then, out of a silence Winlow asked: What was to be done? Should Miltoun
be wired for? A thing like this spread like wildfire! Sir William--a man
not accustomed to underrate difficulties--was afraid it was going to be
troublesome.
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