borough of its
privilege after all that the borough has done for you."

"Go on, Mr. Trigger," said Sir Thomas.

"The Liberals only want one seat. If you'll undertake to accept
the Hundreds, the petition will be withdrawn, and Mr. Westmacott
will come forward again. In that case we shouldn't oppose. Now, Sir
Thomas, you know what the borough thinks will be the best course for
all of us to pursue."

Sir Thomas did know. We may say that he had known for some minutes
past. He had perceived what was coming, and various recollections had
floated across his mind. He especially remembered that L50 for the
poor old women which Mr. Trigger only a week since had recommended
that he should give,--and he remembered also that he had given it.
He recollected the sum which he had already paid for his election
expenses, as to which Mr. Trigger had been very careful to get
the money before this new proposition was made. He remembered Mr.
Pabsby and his cheque for L20. He remembered his broken arm, and
that fortnight of labour and infinite vexation in the borough. He
remembered all his hopes, and his girls' triumph. But he remembered
also that he had told himself a dozen times since his return that he
wished that he might rid himself altogether of Percycross and the
seat in Parliament. Now a proposition that would have this effect was
made to him.

"Well, Sir Thomas, what do you think of it?" asked Mr. Trigger.

Sir Thomas required the passing of a few moments that he might think
of it, and yet there was a feeling strong at his heart telling him
that it behoved him not even to seem to doubt. He was a man not
deficient in spirit when roused as he now was roused. He knew that he
was being ill used. From the first moment of his entering Percycross
he had felt that the place was not fit for him, that it required a
method of canvassing of which he was not only ignorant, but desirous
to remain ignorant,--that at Percycross he would only be a catspaw in
the hands of other men. He knew that he could not safely get into the
same boat with Mr. Griffenbottom, or trust himself to the steering of
such a coxswain as Mr. Trigger. He had found that there could be no
sympathy between himself and any one of those who constituted his own
party in the borough. And yet he had persevered. He had persevered
because in such matters it is so difficult to choose the moment in
which to recede. He had persevered,--and had attained a measure of
success. As fa