determine to remain with us,—­and I for one most sincerely hope that such reconsideration may lead to such determination,—­then I shall move that an additional director be added to our number, and that Mr Longestaffe be requested to take the chair of that additional director.’  The latter speech Mr Melmotte got through very glibly, and then immediately left the chair, so as to show that the business of the Board was closed for that day without any possibility of re-opening it.

Paul went up to him and took him by the sleeve, signifying that he wished to speak to him before they parted.  ‘Certainly,’ said the great man bowing.  ‘Carbury,’ he said, looking round on the young baronet with his blandest smile, ’if you are not in a hurry, wait a moment for...