"It is a little diplomatic errand you will have to undertake for me tomorrow, if you want to do me a good turn." "I will undertake it with great pleasure, and carry it through to the best of my ability," replied Ivor.
"I'm sure you can carry it through excellently," said the Foreign Secretary, still fencing.

"It will be good practice, if you succeed, for--any future duties in the career which may be opening to you." "He's bribing him with that consulship," I thought, beginning to be very curious indeed as to what I might be going to hear.

My heart wasn't beating so thickly now.

I could think almost calmly again.
"I thank you for your trust in me," said Ivor.
"A little diplomatic errand," repeated the Foreign Secretary.

"In itself the thing is not much: that is, on the face of it.