“We can do no more than promise to do our utmost,” said Street, in the pained voice of one whose offer of his life’s blood has been scorned. “We shall be grateful,” said Ordith. “Most grateful,” Mr. Fane-Herbert added solemnly. He knew how foolish it was to ruffle officials. “Another brandy, Street? A cigar?” “But, apart from the question of gratitude and the gentlemanly preamble,” Ordith continued, “let’s see exactly how we stand. As I see it----” “My dear fellow,” Hartfeld exclaimed, flourishing a delicate hand, “why this passion for black and white? Everything depends upon the fluctuations of circumstance----” “Lord help us! Why not say of ‘Change’?” Mr. Fane-Herbert gave him a glance which advised that, since these were not business men, they should not be treated as such. They must be allowed to talk if they wanted to. “You were saying, Hartfeld--the fluctuations of circumstance?” “Upon the fluctuations of circumstance and the--er--signs of the times. Definite commitments in affairs of this kind are always dangerous, and are only to be obtained at the price of elasticity.” “In other words,” said Street, “we want to give you the freest possible hand.” Three of them nodded wisely. Ordith’s fingers moved lightly on the arms of his chair. He had not wanted these people brought into it. “They can’t help,” he had said. But Mr. Fane-Herbert had taken him by the shoulder; “No, they can’t help--granted. But they can hinder. Look on their talk as the price you pay for a retainer, see?” “Then what it comes to,” Ordith said, “is that you are concerned in these contracts that we hope to obtain simply from the point of view of the national interest, eh?” So far as he knew the question was meaningless, but he felt that it would please them. “Exactly,” they answered together. “And you afford facilities?--a diplomatic phrase, surely?” “Every facility.” Mr. Fane-Herbert’s approving eye was upon him. “Then success ought to be assured so long as there are no competitors.” That was the point. “Competitors?” said Hartfeld. “We can’t answer for foreign competition.” “No; I was thinking of competition from home. Ibble’s is not the only firm in the British Isles.” “By no means,” said Street gracefully. “Oh, I can answer for Ordith’s; we have arranged that. There are others.” “I’m afraid we couldn’t possibly interfere with legitimate commercial competition.” “No one would ask it of you. But your attitude towards us will be at least benevolent?” Ordith said. “Certainly,” Hartfeld answered. “Good.” “It will be a brilliant success!” Street exclaimed. “Success,” said Ordith, “depends less upon genius than upon an adequate appreciation of the platitudes.”