“I read that article in the ‘Tribune’ about you with great interest,” said Mr. Bascom, when Mr. Botcher’s coughing had subsided.  “I had no idea you were so—­ahem—­well equipped for a political career.  But what we wanted to speak to you about was this,” he continued, as Mr. Crewe showed signs of breaking in, “those committee appointments you desired.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Crewe, with some pardonable heat, “the Speaker doesn’t seem to know which side his bread’s buttered on.”

“What I was going to say,” proceeded Mr. Bascom, “was that General Doby is a pretty good fellow.  Personally, I happen to know that the general feels very badly that he couldn’t give you what you wanted.  He took a shine to you that night you saw him.”

“Yes,” Mr. Botcher agreed, for he had quite recovered, the general felt bad—­feels bad, I should say.  He perceived that you were a man of ability, sir—­”

“And that was just the reason,” said the Honourable Brush, “that he couldn’t make you more useful just now.”

“There’s a good deal of jealousy, my dear sir, against young members of ability,” said Mr. Botcher, in his most oracular and impressive tones.  “The competition amongst those—­er—­who have served the party is very keen for the positions you desired.  I personally happen to know that the general had you on the Judiciary and Appropriations, and that some of your—­er—­well-wishers persuaded him to take you off for your own good.”

“It wouldn’t do for the party leaders to make you too prominent all at once,” said Mr. Bascom.  “You are bound to take an active part in what passes here.  The general said, ’At all events I will give Mr. Crewe one chairmanship by which he can make a name for himself suited to his talents,’ and he insisted on giving you, in spite of some remonstrances from your friends, National Affairs.  The general urged, rightly, that with your broad view and knowledge of national policy, it was his duty to put you in that place whatever people might say.”

Mr. Crewe listened to these explanations in some surprise; and being a rational man, had to confess that they were—­more or less reasonable.

“Scarcely any bills come before that committee,” he objected.

“Ah,” replied Mr. Bascom, “that is true.  But the chairman of that committee is generally supposed to be in line for—­er—­national honours.  It has not always happened in the past, because the men have not proved worthy.  But the opportunity is always given to that chairman to make a speech upon national affairs which is listened to with the deepest interest.

“Is that so?” said Mr. Crewe.  He wanted to be of service, as we know.  He was a man of ideas, and the opening sentences of the speech were already occurring to him.

“Let’s go upstairs and see the general now,” suggested Mr. Botcher, smiling that such a happy thought should have occurred to him.

“Why, I guess we couldn’t do any better,” Mr. Bascom agreed.