d to none in the warmth of our welcome."

Although this speech seemed correct enough, young Edward Wilson felt
rather uneasy. He wondered whether those of Mr. Bolitho's class would
have met him in a similar way. In spite of the fact that he declared
himself deeply in love with the young lady who had now gone upstairs
with his sister, he did not feel comfortable in her presence. There
seemed to be always an invisible barrier between them. Still, she was
there, and he meant to make the most of his opportunities; and if the
plans which had been made bore fruit, he trusted that he would see a
great deal of her in the future.

The party that sat round the dinner table was gay, but no reference was
made to the ostensible object of Mr. Bolitho's visit. When nine
o'clock came, however, it was evident that there were several
new-comers, and presently the two Wilsons led the way to the library,
while Mr. Bolitho followed with a half-interested, half-bored look on
his face. He shook hands with a number of men who had gathered in the
room. Evidently they were nearly all opulent, keen-minded, successful
men, but he could not help feeling pleased at the deference which each
of them paid to him. Even as they did, he realised that he was not of
their class. After all, a wealthy cotton manufacturer occupies a
different position from that of an eminent barrister who belongs to an
old county family.

They quickly made known their business. "The truth of it is, Mr.
Bolitho," said the leading spokesman, "Mr. Carcliffe is resigning, and
we want someone to fight our battles. The socialistic and labour
element has become very strong, and unless we are strongly led, our
side will be beaten. And so we have come to the conclusion that if you
will say 'Yes,' you are our best man."

It was a roughly spoken speech, but Mr. Bolitho understood perfectly,
and the proposal appealed to him strongly. He had long encouraged
political aspirations, and here was his opportunity. To be the Member
of the important borough of Brunford, which lay at the heart of the
manufacturing district, promised all sorts of scope for his ambition.
Owing to his success at the Bar he had a large income, and more than
one had suggested to him that if he entered Parliament he would be a
most eligible candidate for the post of either Solicitor- or
Attorney-General, while even higher things might be within his grasp in
the future. As it was, he discussed the vari