This was evidently a devotee.
"You are all Masons, of course ?" he said.
"Why, of course, Mr.Brand." "Very good.

I will speak to Mr.Snowford to-day if I can catch him." He glanced at the clock.

There were yet three or four minutes.
"You have seen the new appointment in Rome, sir," went on Mr.Francis.
Oliver shook his head.

He was not particularly interested in Rome just now.
"Cardinal Martin is dead--he died on Tuesday--and his place is already filled." "Indeed, sir ?" "Yes--the new man was once a friend of mine--Franklin, his name is--Percy Franklin." "Eh ?" "What is the matter, Mr.Brand?
Did you know him ?" Oliver was eyeing him darkly, a little pale.
"Yes; I knew him," he said quietly.

"At least, I think so." "He was at Westminster until a month or two ago." "Yes, yes," said Oliver, still looking at him.