litics. That no one doubted.

Marsham was lost in tumultuous thought. The truth was that the two
articles in the _Herald_ of that morning, which had arrived at Tallyn by
nine o'clock, had struck him with nothing less than consternation.

Ever since his interview with Barrington, he had persuaded himself that
in it he had laid the foundations of party reunion; and he had since
been eagerly scanning the signs of slow change in the attitude of the
party paper, combined--as they had been up to this very day--with an
unbroken personal loyalty to Ferrier. But the article of this morning
had shown a complete--and in Oliver's opinion, as he read it at the
breakfast-table--an extravagant _volte-face_. It amounted to nothing
less than a vehement appeal to the new Prime Minister to intrust the
leadership of the House of Commons, at so critical a moment, to a man
more truly in sympathy with the forward policy of the party.

"We have hoped against hope," said the _Herald_; "we have supported Mr.
Ferrier against all opposition; but a careful reconsideration and
analysis of his latest speeches--taken together with our general
knowledge public and private, of the political situation--have convinced
us, sorely against our will, that while Mr. Ferrier must, of course,
hold one of the most important offices in the new Cabinet, his
leadership of the Commons--in view of the two great measures to which
the party is practically pledged--could only bring calamity. He will not
oppose them; that, of course, we know; but is it possible that he can
_fight them through_ with success? We appeal to his patriotism, which
has never yet failed him or us. If he will only accept the peerage he
has so amply earned, together with either the War Office or the
Admiralty, and represent the Government in the Lords, where it is
sorely in need of strength, all will be well. The leadership of the
Commons must necessarily fall to that section of the party which,
through Lord Philip's astonishing campaign, has risen so rapidly in
public favor. Lord Philip himself, indeed, is no more acceptable to the
moderates than Mr. Ferrier to the Left Wing. Heat of personal feeling
alone would prevent his filling the part successfully. But two or three
men are named, under whom Lord Philip would be content to serve, while
the moderates would have nothing to say against them."

This was damaging enough. But far more serious was the "communicated"
article on the next page--"fro