just where the beauty of the plan comes in! A seat in the
House of Commons will always be more or less of a vested interest,
however low the franchise may descend; and the men we are speaking of
are precisely those most likely to continue in the House. It is
especially so in the case of very wealthy men, who have made their own
money; for they look out for comfortable seats to begin with, and then
nurse their constituencies by large charitable donations, so that the
chances are all in their favor. At any rate this is the best way of
setting to work--and who can tell whether the struggle may not come to a
crisis in the present Parliament?"

"And you feel as confident as ever, Sir John, that this Union will be
effected?"

"My dear Lord Ambermere, I assure you I am more confident than ever, and
if I were at liberty to say all I know, and to show my private
memoranda, you would be astonished at the progress which has been made
in this Confederation of Society against the Destructive Elements."

It was a great comfort in listening to Sir John Pynsent, that one could
always tell where he wanted to bring in his capital letters. And there
was no doubt at all about the uncial emphasis with which he spoke of the
Confederation of Society against the Destructive Elements.

At this moment Sydney Campion came in and the conclave was broken up.

Sydney was full of excitement about his contest at Vanebury, and he
received the congratulations and good wishes of his friends with much
complacency. He was already the accepted Conservative candidate, being
nominated from the Oligarchy Club in response to an appeal from the
local leaders. He had even been recommended by name in a letter from Mr.
Tourmaline, the retiring member, whose secession to the Conservative
party had demoralized his former friends in the constituency, and filled
his old opponents with joy. He was going down the next day to begin his
canvass, and to make his first speech; and he had come to the Club
to-night for a final consultation with Sir John Pynsent.

This Vanebury election would not, there was reason to think, be so much
affected by money-bags as the election at Dormer was supposed to be,
sixteen or eighteen months before. Yet money was necessary, and Sydney
did not on this occasion refuse the aid which was pressed upon him. He
was responding to the call of his party, at a moment which might be
(though it was not) very inconvenient for him; and, having put d