Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/264

 urgently upon you. I confess defeat, and withdraw at once my too importunate invitation. You shall return to London on the 4.20, and meanwhile get down, not from your perch, but from this vehicle. We will adjourn to the shady pergola, and there, seated on a garden chair, you can discourse on business to your heart's content, as long as you don't object to my slumbering while you are doing so. Stranleigh Park is supposed to be a relaxing place; a climatic feature for which an iron man like you makes no allowance. You mustn't expect the alertness of Threadneedle Street when you are within sound of a waterfall, and not of a motor-bus."

"My lord," said Mackeller, formally, "I have had enough of genial persiflage."

"My dear Peter, if you compel a man, against his will, to gulp down the bitter powder of business, may he not be allowed a tablespoonful of persiflage to take away the taste? I have already acknowledged defeat, so, as you are strong, be merciful. Come along to the pergola, and there divulge your nefarious plans. I will help you if I can."

"You promise that?"

"I do if your needs can be satisfied with money. I do not if you require personal exertion from me