I really believe it is in your hands to save a man of extraordinary talent, and get the best out of him, if you care to do it." "Of course I care to do it," he cried.

"You cannot doubt that, and I see exactly what you mean; but it will not be easy." "Won't you see what can be done ?" I persisted.

"Put your mind to discover how it should be done, how the Home Secretary may be induced to remit the last few months of Wilde's sentence." After a little while he replied: "You must believe that the authorities are quite willing to help in any good work, more than willing, and I am sure I speak for the Home Secretary as well as for myself; but it is for you to give us some reason for acting--a reason that could be avowed and defended." I did not at first catch his drift; so I persevered: "You admit that the reason exists, that it would be a good thing to favour Wilde, then why not do it ?" "We live," he said, "under parliamentary rule.

Suppose the question were asked in the House, and I think it very likely in the present state of public opinion that the question would be asked: what should we answer?
It would not be an avowable reason that we hoped Wilde would write new plays and books, would it?
That reason ought to be sufficient, I grant you; but, you see yourself, it would not be so regarded." "You are right, I suppose," I had to admit.

"But if I got you a petition from men of letters, asking you to release Wilde for his health's sake: would that do ?" Sir Ruggles Brise jumped at the suggestion.
"Certainly," he exclaimed, "if some men of letters, men of position, wrote asking that Wilde's sentence should be diminished by three or four months on account of his health, I think it would have the best effect." "I will see Meredith at once," I said, "and some others.