I was going to tell you, I expect a Government appointment.
Mr.Jocelyn likes my work--I think he likes me.

You know, I was his private secretary for ten months.' 'You write a good hand,' his mother interposed.
'And I'm certain I was born for diplomacy.' 'For an easy chair, and an ink-dish before you, and lacqueys behind.
What's to be your income, Van ?' Evan carelessly remarked that he must wait and see.
'A very proper thing to do,' said Mrs.Mel; for now that she had fixed him to some explanation of his prospects, she could condescend in her stiff way to banter.
Slightly touched by it, Evan pursued, half laughing, as men do who wish to propitiate common sense on behalf of what seems tolerably absurd: 'It 's not the immediate income, you know, mother: one thinks of one's future.

In the diplomatic service, as Louisa says, you come to be known to Ministers gradually, I mean.

That is, they hear of you; and if you show you have some capacity--Louisa wants me to throw it up in time, and stand for Parliament.

Andrew, she thinks, would be glad to help me to his seat.