The Prime Minister had indeed declined to allow his name to appear on the list; but one Cabinet Minister and two or three under-secretaries had agreed to come because it was felt that the giver of the ball might before long be the master of considerable parliamentary interest.

It was believed that he had an eye to politics, and it is always wise to have great wealth on one's own side.

There had at one time been much solicitude about the ball.

Many anxious thoughts had been given.

When great attempts fail, the failure is disastrous, and may be ruinous.