5/28 They who were entitled to speak to him confidentially as to his position, were almost vehement in declaring his success. Mr.Rattler, about a week ago, had not seen any reason why the Ministry should not endure at least for the next four years. But, on looking back at what he had done, and indeed on looking forward into his future intentions, he could not see why he, of all men, should be Prime Minister. He had once been Chancellor of the Exchequer, filling that office through two halcyon Sessions, and he had known the reason why he had held it. He had ventured to assure himself at the time that he was the best man whom his party could then have found for that office, and he had been satisfied. |