"Your answer to the letter that I brought you ?" "My answer.

My acceptance of his majesty's proposals." "Ha!" Mr.Caryll seemed to be breathing hard.
"Your letters, sir--the letters that you have been receiving will have told you, perhaps, something of how his majesty's affairs are speeding here ?" "Very little; and from that little I fear that they speed none too well.
I would counsel your lordship," he continued slowly--he was thinking as he went--"to wait a while before you burn your boats.

From what I gather, matters are in the air just now." The earl made a gesture, brusque and impatient.

"Your information is very scant, then," said he.
Mr.Caryll looked askance at him.
"Pho, sir! While you have been abed, I have been up and doing; up and doing.

Matters are being pushed forward rapidly.