"'For the moment, therefore, there is a pause, and now occurs the opportunity--perhaps the last in history--for us to retrieve some of the losses of the past. There are scruples to be overcome, but I do not think that an alliance with the moderate section of the Labour interest is inconsistent with the aims and traditions of the great parties which our League represents. It would, of course, be necessary to guarantee to our new allies the privileges which they now possess, and even to promise more; but I am convinced, not only by past experience but also by specific assurances from certain quarters, that they would prefer to remain as they are, and form an alliance with us rather than grasp at larger gains and suffer absorption into another party which they dare not trust. "'From the definite nature of this statement you will gather that the negotiations are more than in the air. The distribution of Cabinet offices will have to be considered at once. B---- might be first gained over with the offer of the Exchequer. He carries great weight with a considerable section of his party, and is dissatisfied with his recognition so far. Heape is a representative man who would repay early attention, especially as he is, at the moment, envious of R----'s better treatment. But these are matters of detail. The great thing is to _get back on any terms_. Once in power, by a modification of the franchise we might make good our position. I trust that this, a desperate remedy in a desperate time, will earn at least your tacit acquiescence. Much is irretrievably lost; England remains--yet. "Yours sincerely, "JOHN HAMPDEN.'" Six men were on their feet before the signature was reached. With an impatient gesture Strummery waved them collectively aside. "We all know your opinion on the writer and the letter, and we can all put it into our own words without wasting time in listening," he said with suppressed fury. "In five minutes' time I shall entirely reopen the consideration of the reports which we met this afternoon to discuss." "Has any effort been made to learn the nature of Estair's reply?" enquired Tirrel. If he was not the least moved man in the room he was the least perturbed, and he instinctively picked out the only point of importance that remained. "It probably does not exist in writing," replied Mr Tubes, avoiding Tirrel's steady gaze. "I find that he arrived in town last night. There would certainly be a meeting." "Was Bannister summoned to this Council?" demanded another. It was taken for granted that "B" stood for Bannister. "Yes," replied the Premier, with one eye on his watch. "He was indisposed." "I protest against the reference to myself," said Heape coldly. * * * * * Mr Strummery nodded. "Time's up," he announced.