Page:The Smart Set (Volume 1).djvu/333



LAD to see you, my Lord. Hardly expected you. Thought you would be detained in the House; long statement, public business, foreign affairs—so the papers say, eh?"

The speaker, a man of medium height, with a figure at present not unpleasing, but showing a tendency toward grossness, looked inquiringly at his guest.

"My dear Landor," said his Lordship, "the great aim, le grand œuvre, of modern—as of ancient—weary men is the search for the unattainable. Here I seek and find rest."

He leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands above his head. "It is so peaceful," he murmured, "and quietness is such a change—such a relief!"

"From which I gather that your Lordship has been sailing in troubled waters, eh?"

"My public life has been one long and stormy voyage," said Lord Innisbrook. "A tragical life, Mr. Landor; a life worthy of delineation in melodrama at the Adelphi. I warn all aspiring young men against the fancied charms, the idle, empty fascination of a political career. The fascination is a delusion and a snare. The charms are non-existent. This is one of my few really serious utterances. Let the world take warning."

"Your Lordship is facetious."

"Nay, I am serious; believe me, really serious."

"Let me hope, then, that your advice applies only to young men. You will remember that the Council of the Conservative Association for West Harwood has been pleased to nominate me as its candidate at the next election."

"Of course. A man of mature experience finds his proper sphere in the House of Commons. I desired to warn only the young, the men of genius, who intend to reform the universe. The process of disillusion is so painful."

"We who have passed through the mill have no illusions."

"Exactly. We have no illusions. We are only tired."

"If I may trouble you for a very few moments with public matters, what was the result of the debate on Lord Windermere's position?"

"The result?" said his Lordship, with a look of surprise. "There was no result. They talked for four hours. That is all."

"My Lord, whatever view the House may take, Lord Windermere's policy is a crime. It is a disgrace to England. Yes, I say it with regret; as a stanch Conservative and supporter of the Government, I say it with great regret. But it is true. His action is utterly wrongful. If England permits it, she palliates a crime and covers herself with fatal shame."

"Very likely," said Lord Innisbrook, placidly. "But there are so many wrongs that cry aloud for instant redress, so many disgraces that, if endured, will drag England from her high position among nations. Yet we endure them; in time we forget them, and they disappear."

"I wrote to Lord Windermere the other day through my solicitor, offer-