Tallente found a distant connection of his waiting for him in his rooms, on his return from the House at about half-past six,--Spencer Williams, a young man who, after a brilliant career at Oxford, had become one of the junior secretaries to the Prime Minister.

The young man rose to his feet at Tallente's entrance and hastened to explain his visit.
"You'll forgive my waiting, sir," he begged.

"Your servant told me that you were dining out and would be home before seven o'clock to change." "Quite right, Spencer," Tallente replied.

"Glad to see you.

Whisky and soda or cocktail ?" The young man chose a whisky and soda, and Tallente followed suit, waving his visitor back into his chair and seating himself opposite.
"Get right into the middle of it, please," he enjoined.
"To begin with, then, can you break your engagement and come and dine with the Chief ?" "Out of the question, even if it were a royal command," was the firm reply.