* * * * *

Meanwhile Marsham was speeding up to town.  At every way-side station, under the evening light, he saw the long lines of placards:  “Sudden death of Mr. Ferrier.  Effect on the new Ministry.”  Every paper he bought was full of comments and hasty biographies.  There was more than a conventional note of loss in them.  Ferrier was not widely popular, in the sense in which many English statesmen have been popular, but there was something in his personality that had long since won the affection and respect of all that public, in all classes, which really observes and directs English affairs.  He was sincerely mourned, and he would be practically missed.

But the immediate effect would be the triumph of the Cave, a new direction given to current politics.  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.”