Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/232

 "Don't flatter yourself, Lord Stranleigh. You gave them a delightful voyage in a luxurious yacht. You made no impression on the minds of any one of them, as Wynn told you."

"Oh, Wynn! He's not the only toad in the puddle, or perhaps, speaking of Walmer, I should say the only pebble on the beach. I certainly excited the interest of the Right Honourable Kirkstall Wilmot, who is younger than Wynn, and much more enterprising. He told me, before I put him ashore, that National Defence, in his mind, was the most important issue at stake, and it may surprise you to know I am waiting here for him at this moment. He wishes to discuss the matter with me unembarrassed by the presence of his colleagues."

"That's Wilmot all over! He's never happy unless he's undermining. Everyone knows what his ambition is."

"Ah, you're wavering from the subject, Blake. You asserted that I made no impression, and I'm proving to you that I did."

Only one thing on earth. Lord Stranleigh, will arouse the serious attention of a politician, and that is: what effect will this or the other action exert on the voter. This brings me to