the course of the evening that he was going to assist
Frank Tregear in his canvass. The matter was not spoken of openly, as
Tregear's name could hardly be mentioned. But everybody knew it, and
it gave occasion to Mabel for a few words apart with Silverbridge. "I
am so glad you are going to him," she said in a little whisper.

"Of course I go when he wishes me. I don't know that I can do him any
good."

"The greatest good in the world. Your name will go so far! It will be
everything to him to be in Parliament. And when are we to meet
again?" she said.

"I shall turn up somewhere," he replied as he gave her his hand to
wish her good-bye.

On the following morning the Duke proposed to Lady Mabel that she
should stay at Matching for yet another fortnight,--or even for a
month if it might be possible. Lady Mabel, whose father was still
abroad, was not sorry to accept the invitation.

CHAPTER LV

Polpenno

Polwenning, the seat of Mr. Tregear, Frank's father, was close to the
borough of Polpenno,--so close that the gates of the grounds opened
into the town. As Silverbridge had told his father, many of the
Tregear family had sat for the borough. Then there had come changes,
and strangers had made themselves welcome by their money. When the
vacancy now occurred a deputation waited upon Squire Tregear and
asked him to stand. The deputation would guarantee that the expense
should not exceed--a certain limited sum. Mr. Tregear for himself
had no such ambition. His eldest son was abroad and was not at all
such a man as one would choose to make into a Member of Parliament.
After much consideration in the family, Frank was invited to present
himself to the constituency. Frank's aspirations in regard to Lady
Mary Palliser were known at Polwenning, and it was thought that they
would have a better chance of success if he could write the letters
M.P. after his name. Frank acceded, and as he was starting wrote
to ask the assistance of his friend Lord Silverbridge. At that
time there were only nine days more before the election, and Mr.
Carbottle, the Liberal candidate, was already living in great style
at the Camborne Arms.

Mr. and Mrs. Tregear and an elder sister of Frank's, who quite
acknowledged herself to be an old maid, were very glad to welcome
Frank's friend. On the first morning of course they discussed the
candidates' prospects. "My best chance of success," said Frank,
"arises from the fact that Mr. Carbottle