done his best in
that direction. But he had failed. There had been corruption, for
which he had himself paid in part. There had been treating of the
grossest kind. Money had been demanded from him since the election,
as to the actual destination of which he was profoundly ignorant. He
did not, however, doubt but that this money had been spent in the
purchase of votes. Sir Thomas was supposed to have betrayed the
borough in his evidence, and was hooted out of the town. On this
occasion he only remained there one night, and left Percycross for
ever, after giving his evidence.

This happened during the second week in May. On his return to London
he did not go down to Fulham, but remained at his chambers in a most
unhappy frame of mind. This renewed attempt of his to enter the world
and to go among men that he might do a man's work, had resulted in
the loss of a great many hundred pounds, in absolute failure, and, as
he wrongly told himself, in personal disgrace. He was almost ashamed
to show himself at his club, and did for two days absolutely have his
dinner brought to him in his chambers from an eating-house.

"I'm sure you won't like that, Sir Thomas," Stemm had said to him,
expostulating, and knowing very well the nature of his master's
sufferings.

"I don't know that I like anything very much," said Sir Thomas.

"I wouldn't go and not show my face because of other people's
roguery," rejoined Stemm, with cruel audacity. Sir Thomas looked at
him, but did not answer a word, and Stemm fetched the food.

"Stemm," said Sir Thomas the same evening, "it's getting to be fine
weather now."

"It's fine enough," said Stemm.

"Do you take your nieces down to Southend for an outing. Go down on
Thursday and come back on Saturday. I shall be at home. There's a
five-pound note for the expenses." Stemm slowly took the note, but
grunted and grumbled. The girls were nuisances to him, and he didn't
want to take them an outing. They wouldn't care to go before July,
and he didn't care to go at all. "You can go when you please," said
Sir Thomas. Stemm growled and grumbled, and at last left the room
with the money.

The morning afterwards Sir Thomas was sitting alone in his room
absolutely wretched. He had so managed his life that there seemed to
be nothing left to him in it worth the having. He had raised himself
to public repute by his intellect and industry, and had then, almost
at once, allowed himself to be hustled out of the