‘One never can tell what is actuating people,’ said Mr Beauchamp.

‘If you know anything about the matter I think you ought to tell me.’

’I know nothing except that the ballot will be taken to-morrow.  You and I have got nothing more to do in the matter except to wait the result.’

‘Well; I suppose it’s all right,’ said Melmotte, rising and going back to his seat.  But he knew that things were not all right.  Had his political friends only been absent, he might have attributed their absence to some political cause which would not have touched him deeply.  But the treachery of the Lord Mayor and of Sir Gregory Gribe was a blow.  For another hour after he had returned to his place, the Emperor sat solemn in his chair...