nown to waste its favors on those who had not a stake in the
community. It understood that fundamental principle of good government
which lays down the axiom that none were to be trusted but those who
had a visible and an extended interest in the country; for without these
pledges of honesty and independence what had the elector to expect
but bribery and corruption--a traffic in his dearest rights, and a
bargaining that might destroy the glorious institutions under which he
dwelt. This part of the harangue was listened to in respectful silence,
and shortly after the orator concluded; when the electors dispersed,
with, no doubt, a better opinion of themselves and the constitution than
it had probably been their good fortune to entertain since the previous
election.

Accident placed me at dinner (the house being crowded) at the same table
with an attorney who had been very active the whole morning among the
Householders, and who I soon learned, from himself, was the especial
agent of the owner of the independent borough in question. He told me
that he had came down with the expectation of disposing of the whole
property to Lord Pledge, the ministerial candidate named; but the means
had not been forthcoming as he had been led to hope, and the bargain
was unluckily broken off at the very moment when it was of the utmost
importance to know to whom the independent electors rightfully belonged.

"His lordship, however," continued the attorney, winking, "has done what
is handsome; and there can be no more doubt of his election than there
would be of yours did you happen to own the borough."

"And is the property now open for sale?" I asked.

"Certainly-my principal can hold out no longer. The price is settled,
and I have his power of attorney to make the preliminary bargain. 'Tis
a thousand pities that the public mind should be left in this undecided
state on the eve of an election."

"Then, sir, I will be the purchaser."

My companion looked at me with astonishment and doubt. He had transacted
too much business of this nature, however, not to feel his way before he
was either off or on.

"The price of the estate is three hundred and twenty-five thousand
pounds, sir, and the rental is only six!"

"Be it so. My name is Goldencalf: by accompanying me to town you shall
receive the money."

"Goldencalf! What, sir, the only son and heir of the late Thomas
Goldencalf of Cheapside?"

"The same. My father has not been dead