The great man came, and Lady Carbury took him under her immediate wing with a grace that was all her own. She said a word about their dear friends at Caversham, expressed her sorrow that her son's engagements did not admit of his being there, and then with the utmost audacity rushed off to the article in the 'Pulpit.' Her friend, Mr Alf, the editor, had thoroughly appreciated the greatness of Mr Melmotte's character, and the magnificence of Mr Melmotte's undertakings. Mr Melmotte bowed and muttered something that was inaudible. 'Now I must introduce you to Mr Alf,' said the lady. The introduction was effected, and Mr Alf explained that it was hardly necessary, as he had already been entertained as one of Mr Melmotte's guests.
'There were a great many there I never saw, and probably never shall see,' said Mr Melmotte.
'I was one of the unfortunates,' said Mr Alf.
'I'm sorry you were unfortunate. If you had come into the whist room you would have found me.'
'Ah,--if I had but known!' said Mr Alf. The editor, as was proper, carried about with him samples of the irony which his paper used so effectively, but it was altogether thrown away upon Melmotte.
Lady Carbury, finding that no immediate good results could be expected from this last introduction, tried another. 'Mr Melmotte,' she said, whispering to him, 'I do so want to make you known to Mr Broune. Mr Broune I know you have never met before. A morning paper is a much heavier burden to an editor than one published in the afternoon. Mr Broune, as of course you know, manages the "Breakfast Table." There is hardly a more influential man in London than Mr Broune. And they declare, you know,' she said, lowering the tone of her whisper as she communicated the fact, 'that his commercial articles are gospel,-- absolutely gospel.' Then the two men were named to each other, and Lady Carbury retreated;--but not out of hearing.
'Getting very hot,' said Mr Melmotte.
'Very hot indeed,' said Mr Broune.
'It was over 70 in the city to-day. I call that very hot for June.'
'Very hot indeed,' said Mr Broune again. Then the conversation was over. Mr Broune sidled away, and Mr Melmotte was left standing in the middle of the room. Lady Carbury told herself at the moment that Rome was not built in a day. She would have been better satisfied certainly if she could have laid a few more bricks on this day. Perseverance, however, was the thing wanted.