It did not matter that the hour was late.

He knew the veteran would be waiting for him, and unprepared for the bad news he brought.

The night was spent in pain of mind, and the comfort the ex-Minister gave him, that a seat would be found for him by the Government, gave him no thrill.

He knew he had enemies in the Government, that the Prime Minister was the friend of the successful only, and that there were others, glad of his defeat, who would be looking for his place.

Also he was sure he had injured the chances of the Government by the defeat of his policy.
As though Creation was in league against him, a heavy storm broke about two o'clock, and he went to bed cursed by torturing thoughts.