The difficulty was really great.

They would have to write home and advertise in the 'Athenaeum'-- for some reason Indian Governments always advertise educational appointments in the 'Athenaeum'; it is a habit which dates from the days of John Company--and that would mean delay.

And then the result might be a disappointment.

Might Armour not also be a disappointment?
That I really could not say.

A new man is always a speculation, and departments, like individuals, have got to take their luck.
The Viceroy was so delighted--everybody was so delighted--with the medal picture that the merest breath blown among them would secure Armour's nomination.