Part 47 (1/2)
I must say I think you have treated me badly, and without that sort of brotherly fairness which we on the public press expect from one another. However, perhaps we can come to an understanding, and if so, things may yet go smoothly. Give me a turn and I am not at all adverse to give you one. Will you come to me here, or shall I call upon you?
Yours always, Q. S.
Phineas was not only surprised, but disgusted also, at the receipt of this letter. He could not imagine what was the deed by which he had offended Mr. Slide. He thought over all the circ.u.mstances of his short connection with the _People's Banner_, but could remember nothing which might have created offence. But his disgust was greater than his surprise. He thought that he had done nothing and said nothing to justify Quintus Slide in calling him ”dear Finn.” He, who had Lady Laura's secret in his keeping; he who hoped to be the possessor of Violet Effingham's affections,--he to be called ”dear Finn” by such a one as Quintus Slide! He soon made up his mind that he would not answer the note, but would go at once to the _People's Banner_ office at the hour at which Quintus Slide was always there.
He certainly would not write to ”dear Slide;” and, until he had heard something more of this cause of offence, he would not make an enemy for ever by calling the man ”dear Sir.” He went to the office of the _People's Banner_, and found Mr. Slide ensconced in a little gla.s.s cupboard, writing an article for the next day's copy.
”I suppose you're very busy,” said Phineas, inserting himself with some difficulty on to a little stool in the corner of the cupboard.
”Not so particular but what I'm glad to see you. You shoot, don't you?”
”Shoot!” said Phineas. It could not be possible that Mr. Slide was intending, after this abrupt fas.h.i.+on, to propose a duel with pistols.
”Grouse and pheasants, and them sort of things?” asked Mr. Slide.
”Oh, ah; I understand. Yes, I shoot sometimes.”
”Is it the 12th or 20th for grouse in Scotland?”
”The 12th,” said Phineas. ”What makes you ask that just now?”
”I'm doing a letter about it,--advising men not to shoot too many of the young birds, and showing that they'll have none next year if they do. I had a fellow here just now who knew all about it, and he put down a lot; but I forgot to make him tell me the day of beginning.
What's a good place to date from?”
Phineas suggested Callender or Stirling.
”Stirling's too much of a town, isn't it? Callender sounds better for game, I think.”
So the letter which was to save the young grouse was dated from Callender; and Mr. Quintus Slide having written the word, threw down his pen, came off his stool, and rushed at once at his subject.
”Well, now, Finn,” he said, ”don't you know that you've treated me badly about Loughton?”
”Treated you badly about Loughton!” Phineas, as he repeated the words, was quite in the dark as to Mr. Slide's meaning. Did Mr. Slide intend to convey a reproach because Phineas had not personally sent some tidings of the election to the _People's Banner_?
”Very badly,” said Mr. Slide, with his arms akimbo,--”very badly indeed! Men on the press together do expect that they're to be stuck by, and not thrown over. d.a.m.n it, I say; what's the good of a brotherhood if it ain't to be brotherhood?”
”Upon my word, I don't know what you mean,” said Phineas.
”Didn't I tell you that I had Loughton in my heye?” said Quintus.
”Oh--h!”
”It's very well to say ho, and look guilty, but didn't I tell you?”
”I never heard such nonsense in my life.”
”Nonsense?”
”How on earth could you have stood for Loughton? What interest would you have there? You could not even have found an elector to propose you.”
”Now, I'll tell you what I'll do, Finn. I think you have thrown me over most shabby, but I won't stand about that. You shall have Loughton this session if you'll promise to make way for me after the next election. If you'll agree to that, we'll have a special leader to say how well Lord What's-his-name has done with the borough; and we'll be your horgan through the whole session.”