She has declined
already, I'm told; but he means to stick to the mission." During
all this time Mounser Green was smoking his cigar with his back to
the fire, and the other clerks looked as though they had nothing to
do but talk about the private affairs of ministers abroad and their
friends. Of course it will be understood that since we last saw
John Morton the position of Minister Plenipotentiary at Patagonia
had been offered to him and that he had accepted the place in spite
of Bragton and of Arabella Trefoil.
At that moment a card was handed to Mounser Green by a messenger
who was desired to show the gentleman up. "It's the Paragon
himself," said Green.
We'll make him tell us whether he's going out single or double,"
said Archibald Currie.
"After what the Rufford people said to me I'm sure he's going to
marry her," said young Glossop. No doubt Lady Penwether had been
anxious to make it understood by every one connected with the
family that if any gossip should be heard about Rufford and
Arabella Trefoil there was nothing in it.
Then the Paragon was shown into the room and Mounser Green and the
young men were delighted to see him. Colonial governors at their
seats of government, and Ministers Plenipotentiary in their
ambassadorial residences are very great persons indeed; and when
met in society at home, with the stars and ribbons which are common
among them now, they are, less indeed, but still something.
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