Such also very probably was Sir Gregory's theory when he thought of those who had helped him, instead of those whom he himself had helped.
And so they met, and discussed Alaric's little proposition.
'Since I saw you yesterday,' said Sir Gregory, 'I have been thinking much of what you were saying to me of your wish to go into Parliament.' 'I am very much obliged to you,' said Alaric.
'I need hardly tell you, Tudor, how anxious I am to further your advancement.

I greatly value your ability and diligence, and have shown that I am anxious to make them serviceable to the public.' 'I am fully aware that I owe you a great deal, Sir Gregory.' 'Oh, I don't mean that; that's nothing; I am not thinking of myself.

I only want you to understand that I am truly anxious to see you take that line in public matters which may make your services most valuable to the public, and which may redound the most to your own advantage.

I have thought of what you said to me with the most mature deliberation, and I am persuaded that I shall best do my duty to you, and to the service, by recommending you to abandon altogether your idea of going into Parliament.' Sir Gregory said this in his weightiest manner.

He endeavoured to assume some of that authority with which he had erst cowed the young Tudor at the Weights and Measures, and as he finished his speech he assumed a profound look which ought to have been very convincing.
But the time was gone by with Alaric when such tricks of legerdemain were convincing to him.