wished to enlarge on that
subject; but it only showed what gentlemen will do when they are
canvassing. The other candidate, Mr Lowry, seemed a very high
personage indeed. When he found Mr Grey was not at home, he and all
his party rode straight on, without inquiring for the ladies. Everyone
seemed to think that Mr Lowry was not likely to carry his election, his
manners were so extremely high.

Meanwhile, Mr Grey was observing to his hostess that he was sorry to
find there was an election impending. People in a small place like
Deerbrook were quite apt enough to quarrel, day by day;--an election
threw the place into an uproar.

"`How delightful!' those boys are thinking," said Hester, laughing.

"I am sure," said Sophia, "it is anything but delightful to me. I
remember, last time, Sydney brought some squibs into the garden, and let
them off while mamma and I were in the shrubbery; and we could none of
us get to sleep till after midnight for the light of the bonfire down
the street."

"They should manage those things more quietly," observed Mr Grey.
"This time, however, there will be only a little effusion of joy, and
then an end; for they say Ballinger will carry every vote in the place."

"Why, father!" cried Sydney, "are you going to vote for Ballinger this
time?"

"No, my boy. I did not say so. I shall not vote at all," he added,
observing that he was expected to explain himself. No remark being
made, he continued--"It will not be convenient to me to meddle in
election matters this time; and it would be of no use, as Lowry has not
the slightest chance. One gets nothing but ill-will and trouble by
meddling. So, my dear," turning to Hester, "your husband and I will
just keep quiet, and let Deerbrook have its own way."

"I believe you may speak for yourself," replied Hester, her eyes
sparkling. "Edward has no idea--." Then, remembering that she was
speaking to a guest, she cut short her assurance that Edward had no idea
of neglecting his duty when it was wanted most, for such a reason as
that it was then most irksome.

"There is no occasion in the world for your husband to come forward,"
observed Mr Grey, with kind anxiety. "I was saying, Hope, that you are
quite absolved from interfering in politics. Nobody expects it from a
medical man. Everyone knows the disadvantage to a professional man,
circumstanced like you, of taking any side in a party matter. You might
find the consequences very seri