Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/213

 not in luxury, but in a small, bare room, with a mattress and a coverlet on an iron camp bedstead. In a chamber eight feet broad, Premier Pitt and Lord Nelson planned the amazing naval operations that followed. On the lawn grows a willow transplanted from Napoleon's grave. Oh, you'll be surrounded by military memories at Walmer! Yes, I shall call on you there, even though you will have dungeons at your disposal. Before taking my leave, too long delayed, am I to understand that my intended object-lesson with the coastguard stations has made no impression on your mind?"

"None in the least, Lord Stranleigh, except to recall the adage about parting with money."

The Minister's smile eliminated the sting from his reference, and Lord Stranleigh smiled in sympathy.

"I came to-day to place myself at your disposal in case you considered I had infringed the law."

"There are many laws that ought to be infringed, my lord, but the present Government hopes to repeal them, and put something newer and more helpful to humanity in their stead. No, Stranleigh, I'm sorry to disappoint your efforts towards economy, but you'll receive no help from me to board and lodging at His Majesty's expense."