A grave brow, compressed lips, and fixed eyes, had no longer much effect upon him.

He had a point to gain, and he was thinking of that, and not of Sir Gregory's grimaces.
'Then you will not see the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject ?' 'No,' said Sir Gregory; 'it would be useless for me to do so.

I could not advocate such a scheme, feeling certain that it would be injurious both to yourself and to the service; and I would not desire to see the Chancellor with the view of opposing your wishes.' 'I am much obliged to you for that, at any rate,' said Alaric.
'But I do hope that you will not carry your plan any farther.
When I tell you, as I do with the utmost sincerity, that I feel certain that an attempt to seat yourself in Parliament can only lead to the ruin of your prospects as a Civil servant--prospects which are brighter now than those of any other young man in the service--I cannot but think that you must hesitate before you take any step which will, in my opinion, render your resignation necessary.' 'I shall be sorry to resign, Sir Gregory, as I have such true pleasure in serving with you.' 'And, I presume, a salary of L1,200 a year is not unacceptable ?' said Sir Gregory, with the very faintest of smiles.
'By no means,' said Alaric; 'I am a poor man, depending altogether on my own exertions for an income.

I cannot afford to throw away a chance.' 'Then take my word for it, you should give up all idea of Parliament,' said Sir Gregory, who thought that he had carried his point.
'But I call a seat in Parliament a chance,' said Alaric; 'the best chance that a man, circumstanced as I am, can possibly have.
I have the offer of a seat, Sir Gregory, and I can't afford to throw it away.' 'Then it is my duty to tell you, as the head of your office, that it will be your duty to resign before you offer yourself as a candidate.' 'That you mean is your present opinion, Sir Gregory ?' 'Yes, Mr.Tudor, that is my opinion--an opinion which I shall be forced to express to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if you persist in this infatuation.' Alaric looked very grave, but not a whit angry.

'I am sorry for it, Sir Gregory, very sorry; I had hoped to have had your countenance.' 'I would give it you, Mr.Tudor, if I could consistently with my duty as a public servant; but as I cannot, I am sure you will not ask for it.' How Fidus Neverbend would have admired the chief commissioner could he have seen and heard him at this moment! 'But,' he continued, relaxing for a while the muscles of his face, 'I hope, I do hope, you will think better of this.