Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/248

 arising merely from the jeers of his comrades. I'll look up the legal status of stocks."

"Well, see that you look them up carefully, for I have often had my feelings hurt with them on the Stock Exchange."

The Minister righteously did not smile. He was a most serious man for one so young, and gave no countenance to flippancy.

"Will you go in for my plan?" he demanded brusquely.

"Yes; under your direction, and in moderation. You cannot expect me to plunge as if I were the British Government."

"Certainly not; certainly not. I shall be glad to direct, only my name must not be connected with the affair; at least, not for the present."

Stranleigh smiled.

"That is a matter of course. I shall take the blame in case of failure; you will get the credit if the project is a success."

"Oh, I don't mean that at all, but no matter. When will you begin?"

"At once."

"Right. I do like promptness. Well, good-bye, Stranleigh. I'm very pleased to have met you."

"And I you," said his lordship, rising.