SCENE IV.—_The Athenæum Club._ SMOOTH _and_ ATALL _at a table_.

_Smooth._ I saw it this morning on the breakfast-table at Lord A’s; it is an admirable article, and I was told is yours.

_Atall._ (_Decliningly._) These things, you know, are always supposed to be anonymous. But I am not sorry that you liked the paper. Did his lordship speak of it? {288}

_Smooth._ The book was open at the article upon the table. It does you honour. Hits _just_ the happy point,—hints probable _intentions_, without giving any pledge,—enough to please the Liberals,—and full room for _explanation_, if any change becomes expedient. The true plan, believe me, for a ministry, in times like these, is to proceed _en tâtonnant_.—Pray, Mr. Dean, how is the Bishop of Hereford?

_Atall._ I didn’t know that he was particularly ill. He has long been feeble.

_Smooth._ These complainers do sometimes hold out. But they cannot last for ever.—We meet I hope to-morrow at the levee. You _ought_ to be there.

_Atall._ I have come to town for the purpose; having secured, I think, Closewind’s election at Cambridge.

_Smooth._ Well done, my very good friend! Men of talent should always pull together. Sorry that I must go; but we meet to-morrow. (_Shaking hands very cordially._) [_Exit._