Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/303

Rh Smooth. He's certain of succeeding! The independent gentlemen don't quite like Turnstile—they wish for Highway—and the split will foil them both. MacLeech—now that he has been mentioned—I must acknowledge, does seem to me to be the very man for the manufactures,—a practical, persevering man of business,—never absent from the House,—excellent Scotch connections,—a cousin of the Duke of Y.'s——.

Lord A. That is a good point, certainly. An appointment given there would be candid and liberal;—it might conciliate——

Closewind. A very civil, excellent fellow, too. MacLeech, I should say, is the man.

Shift. I quite agree with you.

Smooth. I confess, I think he will fill the office well. And if it is thought quite necessary that Hume's motion to reduce the salary,—though it is not large——

Closewind. Oh, no! The salary had better remain;—2000l. is not too much. Besides, the principle of giving way is bad.

Lord A. Well, gentlemen, let it be so. Smooth, you will let MacLeech know that he has the office.

Smooth. And at the present salary?

Lord A. Agreed. [Exeunt.

Smooth. I saw it this morning on the breakfast-table at Lord A's; it is an admirable article, and I was told is yours.

Atall. (Decliningly.) These things, you know, are always supposed to be anonymous. But I am not sorry that you liked the paper. Did his lordship speak of it?