on it which he wants to make--and then I would make another and we

would be safe."

Well if he wants to make a great speech why doesn't he do it?"

Visitors interrupted the conversation and Mr. Buckstone took his leave.

It was not of the least moment to Laura that her question had not been

answered, inasmuch as it concerned a thing which did not interest her;

and yet, human being like, she thought she would have liked to know.

An opportunity occurring presently, she put the same question to another

person and got an answer that satisfied her. She pondered a good while

that night, after she had gone to bed, and when she finally turned over,

to, go to sleep, she had thought out a new scheme. The next evening at

Mrs. Gloverson's party, she said to Mr. Buckstone:

I want Mr. Trollop to make his great speech on the Pension bill."

Do you? But you remember I was interrupted, and did not explain

to you--"

"Never mind, I know. You must' make him make that speech. I very

particularly desire, it."

Oh, it is easy, to say make him do it, but how am I to make him!"

It is perfectly easy; I have thought it all out."

434

The Gilded Age