Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.

“It was large enough,” he answered, “and after all it was a clear gain of a seat to your party, wasn’t it?”

“It was a seat which we Radicals had a right to,” Brooks declared.  “Now that the storm of Imperialism is quieting down and people are beginning to realize that matters nearer home need a little attention, I cannot see how the manufacturing centres can do anything save return Radicals.  We are the only party with a definite home policy.”

Lord Arranmore nodded.

“Just so,” he remarked, indifferently.  “I needn’t say that I didn’t come here to talk politics.  There was a little matter of business which I wished to put before you.”

Brooks looked up in some surprise.

“Business!” he repeated, a little vaguely.

“Yes.  As you are aware, Mr. Morrison has had the control of the Enton estates for many years.  He was a very estimable man, and he performed his duties so far as I know quite satisfactorily.  Now that he is dead, however, I intend to make a change.  The remaining partners in his firm are unknown to me, and I at once gave them notice of my intention.  Would you care to undertake the legal management of my estates in this part of the world?”

Brooks felt the little colour he had leave his cheeks.  For a moment he was quite speechless.

“I scarcely know how to answer, or to thank you, Lord Arranmore,” he said at last.  “This is such a surprising offer.  I scarcely see how you can be in earnest.  You know so little of me.”

Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.

“Really,” he said, “I don’t see anything very surprising in it.  Morrisons have a large practice, and without the old man I scarcely see how they could continue to give my affairs the attention they require.  You, on the other hand, are only just starting, and you would be able to watch over my interests more closely.  Then—­although I cannot pretend that I am much influenced by sentimental reasons—­still, I knew your father, and the strangeness of our few years of life as neighbours inclines me to be of service to you provided I myself am not the sufferer.  As to that I am prepared to take the risk.  You see mine is only the usual sort of generosity—­the sort which provides for an adequate quid pro quo.  Of course, if you think that the undertaking of my affairs would block you in other directions do not hesitate to say so.  This is a matter of business between us, pure and simple.”

Brooks had recovered himself.  The length of Lord Arranmore’s speech and his slow drawl had given him an opportunity to do so.  He glanced for a moment at the letter which lay upon his desk, and hated it.

“In an ordinary way, Lord Arranmore,” he answered, “there could be only one possible reply to such an offer as you have made me—­an immediate and prompt acceptance.  If I seem to hesitate, it is because, first—­I must tell you something.  I must make something—­in the nature of a confession.”