among the trumpets.

---- Street, 9th July, 18--.

MY DEAR FINN,

Although you are not now immediately concerned in such
trifling matters you have no doubt heard that we are all
to be sent back at once to our constituents, and that
there will be a general election about the end of
September. We are sure that we shall have such a majority
as we never had before; but we are determined to make it
as strong as possible, and to get in all the good men that
are to be had. Have you a mind to try again? After all,
there is nothing like it.

Perhaps you may have some Irish seat in your eye for which
you would be safe. To tell the truth we know very little
of the Irish seats--not so much as, I think, we ought
to do. But if you are not so lucky I would suggest
Tankerville in Durham. Of course there would be
a contest, and a little money will be wanted; but the
money would not be much. Browborough has sat for the place
now for three Parliaments, and seems to think it all his
own. I am told that nothing could be easier than to turn
him out. You will remember the man--a great, hulking,
heavy, speechless fellow, who always used to sit just over
Lord Macaw's shoulder. I have made inquiry, and I am told
that he must walk if anybody would go down who could talk
to the colliers every night for a week or so. It would
just be the work for you. Of course, you should have all
the assistance we could give you, and Molescroft would put
you into the hands of an agent who wouldn't spend money
for you. L500 would do it all.

I am very sorry to hear of your great loss, as also was
Lady Laura, who, as you are aware, is still abroad with
her father. We have all thought that the loneliness of
your present life might perhaps make you willing to come
back among us. I write instead of Ratler, because I
am helping him in the Northern counties. But you will
understand all about that.

Yours, ever faithfully,

BARRINGTON ERLE.

Of course Tankerville has been dirty. Browborough has
spent a fortune there. But I do not think that that need
dishearten you. You will go there with clean hands. It
must be understood that there shall not be as much as a
glass of beer. I am told that the fellows won't vote for
Browborough unless he spends money, and I fancy he will be
afraid to do it heavily after all that has come