Somewhat abashed and ill at ease, the Consul-General took it.
"Have you good news from Downing Street ?" asked David quietly.
The Consul-General hesitated for an instant, and then said: "There is no help to be had for you or for what you are doing in that quarter." He lowered his voice.

"I fear Lord Eglington does not favour you; and he controls the Foreign Minister.

I am very sorry.

I have done my best, but my colleagues, the other consuls, are busy--with Lord Eglington." David turned his head away for an instant.

Strange how that name sent a thrill through him, stirred his blood! He did not answer the Consul-General, and the latter continued: "Is there any hope?
Is the breach with Kaid complete ?" David smiled gravely.