“I think so,” Brooks answered.  “It is certain to be a very close contest, but I believe we shall get a small majority.  The Jingo element are our greatest trouble.  They are all the time trying to make people believe that Conservatives have the monopoly of the Imperial sentiment.  As a matter of fact, I think that Henslow is almost rabid on the war question.”

“Still, your platform—­to use an Americanism,” Mr. Hennibul interposed, “must be founded upon domestic questions.  Medchester is a manufacturing town, and I am given to understand is suffering severely.  Has your man any original views on the present depression in trade?”

Brooks glanced towards the speaker with a smile.

“You have been reading the Medchester Post!” he remarked.

The barrister nodded.

“Yes.  It hinted at some rather surprising revelation.”

“You must read Henslow’s speech at the mass meeting to-morrow night,” Brooks said.  “At present I mustn’t discuss these matters too much, especially before a political opponent,” he remarked, smiling at Mr. Molyneux.  “You might induce Mr. Rochester to play our trump card.”

“If your trump card is what I suspect it to be,” Mr. Hennibul said, “I don’t think you need fear that.  Rochester would be ready enough to try it, but some of his supporters wouldn’t listen to it.”

The conversation drifted away from politics.  Brooks found himself enjoying his luncheon amazingly.  Sybil Caroom devoted herself to him, and he found himself somehow drawn with marvellous facility into the little circle of intimate friends.  Afterwards they all strolled into the hall together for coffee, and Arranmore laid his hand upon his arm.

“I am sorry that you will not have time to look round the place,” he said.  “You must come over again before long.”

“You are very kind,” Brooks said, dropping his voice a little.  “There are one or two more things which I should like to ask you about Canada.”

“I shall always be at your service,” Lord Arranmore answered.

“And I cannot go,” Brooks continued, “without thanking you—­”

“We will take that for granted,” Arranmore interrupted.  “You know the spirit in which I gave it.  It is not, I fear, one of sympathy, but it may at any rate save me from having my carriage windows broken one dark night.  By the bye, I have ordered a brougham for you in half-an-hour.  As you see, it is raining.  Your bicycle shall be sent in to-morrow.”

“It is very kind of you indeed,” Brooks declared.

“Molyneux has to go in, so you may just as well drive together,” Arranmore remarked.  “By the bye, do you shoot?”

“A little,” Brooks admitted.

“You must have a day with us.  My head keeper is coming up this afternoon, and I will try and arrange something.  The election is next week, of course.  We must plan a day after then.”

“I am afraid that my performance would scarcely be up to your standard,” Brooks said, “although it is very kind of you to ask me.  I might come and look on.”