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Dick swore softly under his breath at Coxon, and Alicia began to criticise Lady Perry's costume. Lady Eynesford followed up her triumph. "I hope all you Medlandites are satisfied now," she said. And Lady Eynesford was not the only person who found some satisfaction in this unfortunate incident, for when Daisy told Norburn about it, he remarked, with an extraordinary want of reason,
It amazed him that a man should know, or care, or talk about more than half the things on which Dick descanted so merrily; it astounded him that they should win interest as keen and looks as bright as had ever rewarded the deepest truth or the highest aspiration. All of which, however, was not really at all odd, if only Mr. Norburn would have considered the matter a little more closely.
Aren't you delighted?" "It sounds very nice, doesn't it? I don't think I knew her more than just to speak to." "Dick'll be here in four days. I've been looking for you to tell you for the last hour. Where have you been?" "In the Park." "Alone, as usual, you hermit?" "Well, I met the Medlands and Mr. Norburn, and talked to them for a little while." "Alicia! But it's no use talking to you.
They almost tumbled over one another now in their haste to reach where their tongues could play freely. Kilshaw and Perry, the Treasurer and the waverers, all slipped out, and Norburn, knowing nothing but simply wearied of Puttock, followed them. Scarce twenty were left in the House, and the galleries had poured half their contents into the great room which served for a lobby outside.
But, Dick, tell me. How do Willie and Mr. Medland get on?" "Oh, pretty well, but You won't tell?" Alicia promised secrecy, and Dick, conscious of criminality, lowered his voice and continued, "I believe there's a row on in the Cabinet already. Willie said Puttock and Jewell were at loggerheads with Norburn, and Medland was inclined to back Norburn." "And Mr. Coxon?"
"Do you want a light?" "No, I like it dark best best for what I have to say." Suddenly she threw her arms round his neck, drawing him to her and kissing his face. "I'd do the same if you'd killed him yourself," she whispered in the extravagance of her love, and kissed him again. "But, Daisy, you don't know." "Yes, I do. He told me. He's been here." "Who?" "Jack Norburn.
Coxon always does when he goes anywhere in the afternoon." "I didn't know Coxon was your standard of perfection, Daisy. He didn't use to be in the old days." "Oh, it's not only Mr. Coxon." "I know it isn't," replied Norburn significantly. "I wonder the Governor lets you come in that hat," continued Daisy, scornfully eyeing Norburn's unconventional headgear. "It's very like your father's."
For the moment the buoyancy was out of him; he did not care to discuss hopes or projects, and sat silent in his chair, while Norburn sketched new campaigns and energetic raids on Sir Robert's position. Daisy knew her father: these hours of despondency were the penalty he paid for the glowing confidence and rebounding hope that had made him the man and the power he was.
Besides its more serious effects, the Premier's absorption in public affairs had the result of blinding him to the change that had gradually been coming over his own house. Norburn had always been in and out every hour; he was in and out still, but now he came straight from the street door to the Premier's room, and went straight back thence to the street door again.
Organisers ran busily to and fro, displaying already, some of them, rosettes of office, and all of them as much hurry as though the great event were fixed for a short hour ahead. Norburn was about the streets, looking more cheerful than he had done for a long while the scent of battle was in his nostrils and enjoying the luxury of prevailing on his friends not to hiss Mr.
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