Even ministers as they sat to be badgered by the ordinary question-mongers of the day were more intent upon Melmotte than upon their own defence. "Do you know anything about it?" asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Even ministers were more intent upon Melmotte than upon their own business.
"Do you know anything about it?" asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Home Secretary.
