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Sir Robert at first refused, but when Kilshaw urged, he read and glanced up at him, so Medland thought, with a look of sadness. Coxon had got a paper now, and left biting his nails to pore over it; he passed it to Puttock, and the fat man bulged his cheeks in seeming wonder. Even his waverer, the one who had cheered, was deep in it. Only Norburn was unconscious of it.
He was in high feather, the hour was fast approaching which was to witness his triumph and his revenge; the gag would soon be taken from his mouth, and his deadly disclosure would smite Medland like a sword. His sentiment was satisfied with the prospect, and Kilshaw took care that his pocket should have nothing to complain of.
"I suppose I mustn't ask who you're going to give us instead of your deserters," said Sir Robert jokingly. "Oh," answered Medland, "I'm going to fill up with Labour men. I haven't quite fixed on the men yet." "Then you'll be all one colour all red? But I must congratulate you on your daughter's début. She and Miss Derosne are the belles of the evening."
Oh, any time between nine and midnight, or an hour later. One or two are left over as a rule. They're published at the Town-hall, and it's generally rather a lively scene." "And how is it going to go?" The Chief Justice lowered his voice. "Medland will be beaten. He can't believe it and his friends won't, but he'll be beaten badly all over the country, except here in Kirton.
No man saw clearly how it happened, but there was a forward dash, then an exclamation from one of the Volunteers, as he reined his horse back on its haunches, a wild cry from the barricade, and a loud shout, "Halt!" from Kilshaw. The line was stopped, and Kilshaw rode swiftly up to where the trooper had wrenched back his horse. Medland lay on the ground in front of the horse.
It was thronged with people for a considerable distance, people in a thick mass, surging up against the gate and hardly held back by a cordon of police. "Whatever can be the matter?" exclaimed Eleanor. "I am the matter," said Medland. "They have heard about it." When the crowd saw him, cheer after cheer rang out, caps and handkerchiefs were waved, and even flags made a sudden appearance.
She turned her head away, and neither spoke. Alicia played nervously with one glove which she had stripped off, while Medland gravely watched her face, beautiful in its pure outline and quivering with unwonted emotions. With a start he roused himself. "Come," he said imperiously, offering his arm. She took it, and, without more words, they turned towards the house.
It must have been politics." "They wouldn't talk politics here and, if they did, Medland would not quarrel about them." "Did you hear what he said, Chief Justice?" asked Coxon. "Yes, I heard." "Curious, isn't it?" "It's most tantalisingly curious," said Sir John. "But, all the same, we mustn't forget the flowers," remarked Alicia, with affected gaiety.
"The whole performance reminded me of a highly religious rattlesnake: it was a magnificent struggle against natural venom." "I thought it very creditable." "Oh, I suppose so: it would be, if you think of it, in the snake. But Medland will be replying soon. Come along." They hurried into the House, and found the Premier already on his legs.
Before he could finish his sentence, Kilshaw darted up to him, and caught him by the arm. "Not yet, you fool," he whispered, drawing the angry man away. Benham yielded, and Kilshaw caught Medland's look of surprise. "Come, Mr. Benham," he said aloud, "you and Mr. Medland must settle your differences, if you have any, elsewhere." Medland glanced sharply at him, but accepted the cue.
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