time, and will therefore say nothing
against it. But I have never heard anything against this man's
character."

"Nor in favour of it. To my thinking he has as much claim, and no
more, as that man who just opened the door. He was never seen in the
Lower House."

"Surely that cannot signify."

"You think, then, that he should have it?"

"You know what I think," said the elder statesman thoughtfully.
"In my opinion there is no doubt that you would best consult the
honour of the country by allowing her Majesty to bestow this act of
grace upon a subject who has deserved so well from her Majesty as
yourself."

"It is quite impossible."

"It seems to me," said the Duke, not appearing to notice the refusal
of his friend, "that in this peculiar position you should allow
yourself to be persuaded to lay aside your own feeling. No man of
high character is desirous of securing to himself decorations which
he may bestow upon others."

"Just so."

"But here the decoration bestowed upon the chief whom we all follow,
would confer a wider honour upon many than it could do if given to
any one else."

"The same may be said of any Prime Minister."

"Not so. A commoner, without high permanent rank or large fortune, is
not lowered in the world's esteem by not being of the Order. You will
permit me to say--that a Duke of Omnium has not reached that position
which he ought to enjoy unless he be a Knight of the Garter." It
must be borne in mind that the old Duke, who used this argument, had
himself worn the ribbon for the last thirty years. "But if--"

"Well;--well."

"But if you are,--I must call it obstinate."

"I am obstinate in that respect."

"Then," said the Duke of St. Bungay, "I should recommend her Majesty
to give it to the Marquis."

"Never," said the Prime Minister, with very unaccustomed energy. "I
will never sanction the payment of such a price for services which
should never be bought or sold."

"It would give no offence."

"That is not enough, my friend. Here is a man of whom I only know
that he has bought a great many marble statues. He has done nothing
for his country, and nothing for his sovereign."

"If you are determined to look to what you call desert alone, I would
name Lord Drummond." The Prime Minister frowned and looked unhappy.
It was quite true that Lord Drummond had contradicted him, and that
he had felt the injury grievously. "Lord Drummond has been very true
to us."

"Yes;--true to us!