"Lewie, have you heard the news that poor Sir Robert has retired?
What a treasure of a cook you have, sir! The poor man is going to travel, as his health is bad; he wrote me this morning.

Now who is to take his place?
And I wish you'd get me the recipe for this tomato soup." Lewis unravelled the tangled skein of his aunt's questions.
"I heard about Merkland last night from Wratislaw.

I think, perhaps, I had better make a confession to everybody.

I never intended to bother with party politics, at least not for a good many years, but some people want me to stand, so I have agreed.

You will have a very weak opponent, Stocks, so I hope you will pardon my impertinence in trying the thing." The candidate turned a little pale, but he smiled gallantly.
"I shall be glad to have so distinguished an opponent.