But if Jones, even in his high place, can do nothing for
me, then his exaltation above my head is an insult and an injury.
Who ever believes his own dear intimate companion to be fit for the
highest promotion? Mr. Supplehouse had known Mr. Smith too closely to
think much of his young blood.
Consequently, there appeared an article in the _Jupiter_, which was
by no means complimentary to the ministry in general. It harped a
good deal on the young-blood view of the question, and seemed to
insinuate that Harold Smith was not much better than diluted water.
"The Prime Minister," the article said, "having lately recruited
his impaired vigour by a new infusion of aristocratic influence of
the highest moral tone, had again added to himself another tower of
strength chosen from among the people. What might he not hope, now
that he possessed the services of Lord Brittleback and Mr. Harold
Smith! Renovated in a Medea's cauldron of such potency, all his
effete limbs--and it must be acknowledged that some of them had
become very effete--would come forth young and round and robust.
A new energy would diffuse itself through every department; India
would be saved and quieted; the ambition of France would be tamed;
even-handed reform would remodel our courts of law and parliamentary
elections; and Utopia would be realized.
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