By some
expedient or another, success must be certain, or he could have
nothing to do with it. The parliamentary agent was well
accustomed to deal with all kinds and shades of scruples. He was
most at home with men who had none; but still he could allow for
human weakness; and he perfectly understood Mr. Bradshaw.
"I have a notion I know of a man who will just suit your purpose.
Plenty of money--does not know what to do with it, in fact--tired
of yachting, travelling; wants something new. I heard, through
some of the means of intelligence I employ, that not very long
ago he was wishing for a seat in Parliament."
"A Liberal?" said Mr. Bradshaw.
"Decidedly. Belongs to a family who were in the Long parliament
in their day." Mr. Bradshaw rubbed his hands.
"Dissenter?" asked he.
"No, no! Not so far as that. But very lax Church."
"What is his name?" asked Mr. Bradshaw eagerly.
"Excuse me. Until I am certain that he would like to come forward
for Eccleston, I think I had better not mention his name."
The anonymous gentleman did like to come forward, and his name
proved to be Donne. He and Mr. Bradshaw had been in
correspondence during all the time of Mr. Ralph Cranworth's
illness; and when he died, everything was arranged ready for a
start, even before the Cranworths had determined who should keep
the seat warm till the eldest son came of age, for the father was
already member for the county.
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