He was supposed
to be digesting the morning's correspondence, and no one during this
the first half-hour of his attendance would have ventured to intrude
upon him unsummoned.
It was with a very black face, therefore, that when thus occupied upon
the morning that Mr. Hobson visited Mrs. Wilders he saw his own
private messenger enter the room.
"What is it, Lightowlar? I have forbidden you to disturb me till
twelve."
"Beg pardon, sir; very sorry, sir!" replied the messenger, who had
been confidential valet to a Cabinet Minister, and prided himself on
the extreme polish of his language and demeanour. "I am aware that you
have intimidated your disapprobation of unseasonable interruption,
but--"
"Well, well! out with it, or take yourself off."
"Sir 'Umphry, sir; he have just come to the office quite unforseen."
Sir Humphrey Fothergill was the Parliamentary head of the office at
this time.
"Sir Humphrey here! What an extraordinary thing!"
The proper time for the appearance of this great functionary was at 4
p.m., on his way to the House and Mr. Faulks felt quite annoyed at the
departure from the ordinary rule.
"Sir 'Umphry 'ave took us all aback, sir. His own messenger, Mr.
Sprott, was not in the way for the moment, and Sir 'Umphry expressed
himself in rather strong terms.
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