Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-31
CHAPTER XXV-Continued.

At this moment four portly gentlemen
passed them. trying to look very much
at their ease in one of the Cammarleigh
carriages Their appearance at that hour
of the morning was altogether so strange
that Frant remarked on it.
Perhaps they've something to do with
the election said Sybil That she should
have surmised SO much showed the in
tense interest she was taking in every
thing that concerned Anthony. They sat
watching the vehicle. which. with Its top
hated. black coated occupants. irresist-
IDLY suggested municipal funeral till it
passed beneath the gateway and disap-
peared.
CammarleiSh had likewise seen the ar
rival of the Cammarleighburgh mag
mates AS Anthony had guessed, the
mere fact of receiving the deputation
compensated him for the unpleasant po-
litical pill that he was obliged to swal-
low. 1t was quite true that the govern
ment. in whose interests he had rated.
had behaved very badly to him. He had
not even been offered court appointment
such his rank might have entitled him
to. and ii began to be borne in upon him
that he was considered a political nobody.
1t was essential that he should do some
thing in order to assert himself. 1t was,
therefore, only feeling that he was
bound to look more or less ridiculous that
made him object to Anthony's scheme.
but he had one good point in his char
acter which played into the latter's
hands, and that was that when a thing
had become inevitable he could accept II
with a certain amount OF dignity. He
made one last stand when Anthony came
to inform him that the deputation was
awaiting him.
You must tell them that l know
nothing about it.. he said
Lord Cammarleigh.' said Anthony.
soemnly sis it likely that at such a mo-
ment as this / should hesitate to use
strong measures The accident that put
you in my power has led me to this
point. 1t is crisis. and I cannot afford
to give way an inch
The last vestige Of rebellion disap-
peared from Cammareigh. but merely to
save what he considered his dignity he
said:
VERY we'll. then; when you see the lead
ing newspapers on the subject you will
be sorry that you insisted I shall look
so ridiculous that people will be ashamed
to vote for you
1T takes a lot to make a great landed
proprietor look ridiculous in his own
county. Ill take the risk
What on earth am to say to them?
You must say that in presence of
great national danger
There is no great danger-there never
has been quieter time
from the point Of view of the opposition.
and you must say that at this time of
national danger you are indeed pleased
TO see old friends rallying within these
walls. historic with memories of reform,
to take counsel as to how the old battle
against oppression and privilege may
best be waged 1t sounds cheap. but they
will take them as golden words of wis
dom from marquis. and a nation which
has believed in the wings will believe in
anything"
'They did nothing OF the kind when l
wanted them to follow me-"
You must have shown lack of tact
somewhere. You can also mention that
the garden party was social stepping
stone to this reconciliation
Really said Cammarleigh having
got all the assistance he wanted. "one
would think I hadn't known these people
Anthony opened the door which led
from the inner room and. making way
for Cammareigh to precede him. fol-
lowed him into the outer library. The
hats in their hands trying to show how
perfectly at their ease they were by ex-
aiming the backs of rare editions Mr..
Baker. with his head on one side, and the
manner of an art critic. was inspecting.
with a certain air Of appreciation Incl
dental to his sex, an exquisite reproduc-
ton in marble of the Venus Of Milo.
which is. of course. not Venus at all.
as all connOisSeurS know.
AS Cammarleigh- entered their scattered
ranks closed up. and they became again
a deputation. Cammarleigh shook hands
with Mr.. Baker and the other three gen.
tlemen.
Won't you sit down."
There was a slight diversion while.
with extreme affability, Anthony helped
to place chairs In convenient positions.
Cammarleigh enjoyed nothing so much
as situation Of this kind. and, placing
the tips Of his fingers together. he sur
veyed the perspiring group in front of
him with what he fondly imagined to be
smile Of statesmanlike benevolence.
Anthony spoke first, somewhat to Cam
marleighs surprise.
Gentlemen. 1 should like to say. that
have in this matter merely been acting
as Lord Cammarleigh's mouthpiece. The
initiative was his 1t was he who sug
gested that l should put myself in your
hands. and / can only say that If the be-
ginning of my political career should be
member for your ancient borough my
thanks will be equally due to the electors
of Cammarleighburgh. whose interests 1
shall faithfully try to serve. and to his
lordship. who. after having had full
opportunity of judging, has considered me
worthy of his support"
Cammarleigh felt that there was not on
the shelves around him volume sufh-
GENTLY large or heavy to be Anthony's
due. but he was true to the Red Indian
instincts of his class. and smiled gently.
The gentlemen in front nodded their
heads rhythmicaly with each emphasiz-
ing period of Anthonys speech. He then.
with an apparent display of modesty.
moved and placed himself so that he
faced Camarleigh and was able, it
were. to head the admiring attention and
expectancy with which the deputaton
awaited his speech.
Il have long felt. gentlemen began
Cammarleigh. that the reasons for
which was compelled to sever my con-
nection with your association have ceased
to carry weight. l have daily found my
self more and more in sympathy with the
later program of the historic party with
which l was formerly connected. Here !
there was a slight burst of applause. The |
members of the deputation felt in a
chvalrous mood; they had fought Cam |
marleigh and had beaten him.
Mr.. Brooke, the son of a very dear
old friend of mine"-here the deputation
fixed its aye discreetly on the ceiling and
Cammarle. h sIlped-'is eminently suited
for a political career. 1 can assure you.
gentlemen. tfat he is young man of the
highest Integrity Anthony smiled SYM
pathetic*'ly He could thoroughly ap-
preciate he pleasure this speech must
have 81 Cammarleigh. His rect-
tude." tpi ICED Cammarleigh. lis known
to me. &c.
so like a. thought Anthony, Ito
spoil a good coke by repeating it,.
His abilities are also known to me-
nd anti