He had been very
humble in speaking of his own hopes to the Earl, but surely there
might be a chance. What if after all the little strain which he had
had in his back was to be cured after such a fashion as this! When he
got to his lodgings, he found a card from Lady Baldock, informing him
that Lady Baldock would be at home on a certain night, and that there
would be music. He could not go to Lady Baldock's on the night named,
as it would be necessary that he should be in the House;--nor did he
much care to go there, as Violet Effingham was not in town. But he
would call and explain, and endeavour to curry favour in that way.
He at once wrote a note to Lord Chiltern, which he addressed to
Portman Square. "As you are in town, can we not meet? Come and dine
with me at the ---- Club on Saturday." That was the note. After a
few days he received the following answer, dated from the Bull at
Willingford. Why on earth should Chiltern be staying at the Bull at
Willingford in May?
The old Shop at W----, Friday.
DEAR PHINEAS,
I can't dine with you, because I am down here, looking
after the cripples, and writing a sporting novel. They
tell me I ought to do something, so I am going to do that.
I hope you don't think I turned informer against you in
telling the Earl of our pleasant little meeting on the
sands.
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