“As soon as possible.” He looked at me aghast, as if the world were coming to an end. “We had better concoct an epistle to Raggles this morning.” “But you can't be serious?” “I can sometimes, my dear Dale. This is one of the afflicting occasions.” “You out of Parliament? You out of public life? It's inconceivable. It's damnable. But you're just coming into your own--what Raggles said, what I told you yesterday. But it can't be. You can hold on. I'll do all the drudgery for you. I'll work night and day.” And he tramped up and down the room, uttering the disconnected phrases which an honest young soul unaccustomed to express itself emotionally blurts out in moments of deep feeling. “It's no use, Dale,” said I, “I've got my marching orders.” “But why should they come just now?” “When the sweets of office are dangling at my lips? It's pretty simple.” I laughed. “It's one of the little ironies that please the high gods so immensely. They have an elementary sense of humour--like that of the funny fellow who pulls your chair from under you and shrieks with laughter when you go wallop on to the floor. Well, I don't grudge them their amusement. They must have a dull time settling mundane affairs, and a little joke goes a long way with them, as it does in the House of Commons. Fancy sitting on those green benches legislating for all eternity, with never a recess and never even a dinner hour! Poor high gods! Let us pity them.” I looked at him and smiled, perhaps a little wearily. One can always command one's eyes, but one's lips sometimes get out of control. He could not have noticed my lips, however, for he cried: “By George, you're splendid! I wish I could take a knock-out blow like that!” “You'll have to one of these days. It's the only way of taking it. And now,” said I, in a businesslike tone, “I've told you all this with a purpose. At Wymington it will be a case of 'Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi!' The vacancy will have to be filled up at once. We'll have to find a suitable candidate. Have you one in your mind?” “Not a soul.” “I have.” “Who?” “You.” “Me?” He nearly sprang into the air with astonishment. “Why not?” “They'd never adopt me.” “I think they would,” I said. “There are men in the House as young as you. You're well known at Wymington and at headquarters as my right-hand man. You've done some speaking--you do it rather well; it's only your private conversational style that's atrocious. You've got a name familiar in public life up and down the country, thanks to your father and mother. It's a fairly safe seat. I see no reason why they shouldn't adopt you. Would you like it?” “Like it?” he cried. “Why I'd give my ears for it.” “Then,” said I, playing my winning card, “let us hear no more about Lola Brandt.” He gave me a swift glance, and walked up and down the room for a while in silence. Presently he halted in front of me.