Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/220

 your way, if the Warden desires you to remain only until I have gone. If you provide an efficient substitute, you have my consent to leave as soon as you install him."

"That is just the point I was coming to, sir. You see, Heinrich knew nothing of me, but he read in the London papers that you were to be here for some weeks. Now, as he wishes English custom for his Swiss hotel, being, as you remarked, so well-known, he hoped to see you, and make arrangements to look after the catering here while you are in residence."

"Oh, bless my soul!" cried the Minister with a laugh. "I could never rise to anything so magnificent as Heinrich, nor so expensive."

"It was that very thing he was speaking of. The papers said that many celebrated persons would be guests of yours, and Heinrich offered, if the catering was put into his charge, to please you and the most particular of your guests, doing it all for half the amount I have been in the habit of spending, as you can see by my accounts. He would accept no salary himself, and allow no tips to be given or received."

"I'm afraid I could not permit such self-sacrifice on his part."