present moment the chief secretary of the Russian Legation was with Mr Melmotte.  Either the chief secretary was very tedious with his business, or else other big men must have come in, for Mr Longestaffe was not relieved till he was summoned to walk off to the Board five minutes after the hour at which the Board should have met.  He thought that he could explain his views in the street; but on the stairs they were joined by Mr Cohenlupe, and in three minutes they were in the Board room.  Mr Longestaffe was then presented, and took the chair opposite to Miles Grendall.  Montague was not there, but had sent a letter to the secretary explaining that for reasons with which the chairman was acquainted he should absent himself from the present meeting.  ‘All right,’ said Melmotte.  ’I...