Mr.Gresham and Lord Cantrip had long sat in the same Cabinet, and were fast friends, understanding each other's views, and thoroughly trusting each other's loyalty.

"He means it," said Lord Cantrip.
"He means to see if it be possible," said the other.

"It is thrown out as a feeler to his own party." "I'll do him the justice of saying that he's not afraid of his party.
If he means it, he means it altogether, and will not retract it, even though the party should refuse as a body to support him.

I give him no other credit, but I give him that." Mr.Gresham paused for a few moments before he answered.

"I do not know," said he, "whether we are justified in thinking that one man will always be the same.