The Vice-Chairman, Marthorne's friend and mentor, had connections with very high people indeed.

He mentioned Marthorne to the very high people.

These, in their turn, occasionally cast a glance at what Marthorne was doing.

Now and then they read a speech of his, and thought it extremely good, solid, and well put.

It was understood that a certain M.P.
would retire at the next election; and they asked themselves whom they had to take his place?
While this important question was exercising the minds of those in authority, Marthorne was energetically at work gaining the social suffrage.