‘And you will go yourself?’

‘Most assuredly,’ said the Prime Minister.  ’And I hope that you will keep me in countenance.’  His political antagonist declared with a smile that at such a crisis he would not desert his honourable friend;—­but he could not answer for his followers.  There was, he admitted, a strong feeling among the leaders of the Conservative party of distrust in Melmotte.  He considered it probable that among his friends who had been invited there would be some who would be unwilling to meet even the Emperor of China on the existing terms.  ’They should remember,’ said the Prime Minister, ’that they are also to meet their own Prince, and that empty seats on such an occasion will be a dishonour to him.’

‘Just at present...