s most wretched he would fly
at his papers. When the qualms of his conscience became very severe,
he would copy some passage from a dusty book, hardly in the belief
that it might prove to be useful, but with half a hope that he might
cheat himself into so believing. Now, in his misery, he declared
that he would bind himself to his work and never leave it. There, if
anywhere, might consolation be found.

With rapid hands he moved about the papers, and tried to fix his eyes
upon the words. But how was he to fix his thoughts? He could not even
begin not to think of those scoundrels who had so misused him. It
was not a week since they had taken L50 from him for the poor of
Percycross, and now they came to him with a simple statement that he
was absolutely to be thrown over! He had already paid L900 for his
election, and was well aware that the account was not closed. And
he was a man who could not bear to speak about money, or to make
any complaint as to money. Even though he was being so abominably
misused, still he must pay any further claim that might be made on
him in respect of the election that was past. Yes;--he must pay for
those very purchased votes, for that bribery, as to which he had so
loudly expressed his abhorrence, and by reason of which he was now to
lose his seat with ignominy.

But the money was not the worst of it. There was a heavier sorrow
than that arising from the loss of his money. He alone had been just
throughout the contest at Percycross; he alone had been truthful,
and he alone straightforward! And yet he alone must suffer! He began
to believe that Griffenbottom would keep his seat. That he would
certainly lose his own, he was quite convinced. He might lose it
by undergoing an adverse petition, and paying ever so much more
money,--or he might lose it in the manner that Mr. Trigger had
so kindly suggested. In either way there would be disgrace, and
contumely, and hours of the agony of self-reproach in store for him!

What excuse had he for placing himself in contact with such filth? Of
what childishness had he not been the victim when he allowed himself
to dream that he, a pure and scrupulous man, could go among such
impurity as he had found at Percycross, and come out, still clean
and yet triumphant? Then he thought of Griffenbottom as a member of
Parliament, and of that Legislation and that Constitution to which
Griffenbottoms were thought to be essentially necessary. That there
are always