Mr. Parker smiled and said, “Those are both true statements, Madam, taken one at a time. However, as a defence of the mechanism, it will not do. First, the gas is contained in a system of iron pipes and, hence, is less combustible than, say, the wooden floor of the factory, or worse, the particles of dust that arise in any place where things are made, and can spontaneously combust at any time. As to the œconomy of an existing steam-supply at-hand; whilst true, the noise of the steam-light would surmount any such savings. It is impossible to move the turbine farther off, so as to partition the source of the noise from the work-floor, as it is the turbine that generates the static electrical charge that produces the light. Mr. Robert’s steam-light is, in my opinion, going no further than Mr. Wainwright’s factory, and probably only thither as Mr. Wainwright has got the lights free of expense to himself, and cares not for the insupportable noise—Mr. Wainwright is very probably stone-deaf himself at this point from working in such a place as a foundry over any period of time.”

It remained for Darcy to conclude, “Then you do not feel that there is any point in pressing Mr. Roberts as to his intentions for the steam-light.”

“No more than I feel Uxbridge’s leg will be seen walking to Whitehall, Darcy, I am sorry to say. My good lady and I send our compliments to Mrs. Darcy, as well as our regrets for missing the pleasure of seeing her before our quitting town—and I depend upon seeing you next at Richmond in September, Darcy.” He bowed to Lady Catherine and took his leave.

CHAP. 17.

THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, Mr. Darcy left early to meet with the Hallendales’ solicitor and Mr. Gardiner at the Hallendales’ London residence. Mr. Gardiner had asked to speak with Mr. Darcy urgently on a matter of some delicacy. To Darcy’s surprise, he was greeted by Lady Hallendale, whose attendance had been particularly desired by Mr. Gardiner, and he found them both seated at the table upon which were spread what appeared to be several sheets of new-drawn estate plans for the Hallendale properties. The solicitor was unable to be present, but Mr. Gardiner assured Mr. Darcy that the three persons in the room were the most necessary for what he intended to impart.