But when, finding their
criticisms fail, the members of the Council, in their wrongheadedness,
in their anxiety to allow private interest to triumph over public
duty, go the length of thwarting the measures of which they do
not approve, the end of Lord Wellington's patience has been reached.
I am giving your Excellency his own words. He feels that it is
futile to remain in a country whose Government is determined to
undermine his every endeavour to bring this campaign to a successful
issue.
"Yourself, sir, you appear to be distressed. But the Council of
Regency will no doubt take a different view. It will rejoice in
the departure of a man whose military operations it finds so
detestable. You will no doubt discover this when you come to lay
Lord Wellington's decision before the Council, as I now invite you
to do."
Bewildered and undecided, Forjas stood there for a moment, vainly
seeking words. Finally:
"Is this really Lord Wellington's last word?" he asked in tones of
profoundest consternation.
"There is one alternative - one only," said O'Moy slowly.
"And that?" Instantly Forjas was all eagerness.
O'Moy considered him. "Faith, I hesitate to state it."
"No, no. Please, please.
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