very unpopular with the great body of his supporters.  But Lord De Griffin was not the man to see this.  He did make his way up to Mr Wilson, and explained to the Amphytrion of the night the demand which was made on his hospitality.  A thoroughly well-established and experienced political Minister of State always feels that if he can make a friend or appease an enemy without paying a heavy price he will be doing a good stroke of business.  ’Bring him up,’ said Mr Wilson.  ’He’s going to do something out in the East, isn’t he?’ ‘Nothing in India,’ said Lord De Griffin.  ’The submarine telegraph is quite impossible.’  Mr Wilson, instructing some satellite to find out in what way he might properly connect Mr Melmotte with...