"Extremes meet
in politics as in other things, and much of Cecil's creed will suit the
root-and-branch men as well as the fanatics of his own party." Bessie
wondered a little, but said nothing; she had thought moderation Mr.
Cecil Burleigh's characteristic.
A school of young ladies passed without difficulty behind the scanty
throng, and five minutes after the speaking was over the street was
empty.
"Buller was not there," said Mr. John Short to Mr. Oliver Smith, and
from the absence of mirth amongst the gentlemen, Bessie conjectured that
there was a general sense of failure and disappointment.
Mr. Cecil Burleigh preserved his dignified composure, and came up to
Bessie, who said, "This is only the beginning?"
"Only the beginning--the real work is all to do," said he, and entered
into a low-toned exposition thereof quite calmly.
It was at this moment that Mr. John Short, happening to cast an eye upon
the two, received one of those happy inspirations that visit in
emergency men of superior resources and varied experience. At Lady
Angleby's behest the pretty ladies in blue bonnets set out to shop, pay
calls in the town, and show their colors, and the agent attached himself
to the party. They all left the "George" together, but it was not long
before they divided, and Mr. Cecil Burleigh and Bessie, having nowhere
particular where they wished to go, wandered towards the minster. Mr.
John Short, without considering whether his company might be acceptable,
adhered to them, and at length boldly suggested that they were not far
from the thoroughfare in which the "Red Lion" was situated, and that a
word from the aspirant candidate to Buller might not be thrown away.
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