He then snatched an interval of leisure (while awaiting a report, which he had instructed a clerk to make him), in order to reply to his letters.

Those on public business were soon despatched; and throwing his replies aside to be sealed by a subordinate hand, he drew out the letters which he had put apart as private.
He attended first to that of his steward: the steward's letter was long, the reply was contained in three lines.

Pitt himself was scarcely more negligent of his private interests and concerns than Audley Egerton; yet, withal, Audley Egerton was said by his enemies to be an egotist.
The next letter he wrote was to Randal, and that, though longer, was far from prolix: it ran thus:-- DEAR MR.

LESLIE,--I appreciate your delicacy in consulting me whether you should accept Frank Hazeldean's invitation to call at the Hall.

Since you are asked, I can see no objection to it.