And if Mr. Benson had been
clairvoyant, he need not have made an especial subject of
gratitude out of the likelihood that he might have an opportunity
of so far interesting Mr. Donne in the condition of the people of
Eccleston as to induce him to set his face against any attempts
at bribery.
Mr. Benson thought of this half the night through; and ended by
determining to write a sermon on the Christian view of political
duties, which might be good for all, both electors and member, to
hear on the eve of an election. For Mr. Donne was expected at Mr.
Bradshaw's before the next Sunday; and, of course, as Mr. and
Miss Benson had settled it, he would appear at the chapel with
them on that day. But the stinging conscience refused to be
quieted. No present plan of usefulness allayed the aching
remembrance of the evil he had done that good might come. Not
even the look of Leonard, as the early dawn fell on him, and Mr.
Benson's sleepless eyes saw the rosy glow on his firm, round
cheeks; his open mouth, through which the soft, long-drawn breath
came gently quivering; and his eyes not fully shut, but closed to
outward sight--not even the aspect of the quiet, innocent child
could soothe the troubled spirit.
Leonard and his mother dreamt of each other that night. Her dream
of him was one of undefined terror--terror so great that it
wakened her up, and she strove not to sleep again, for fear that
ominous, ghastly dream should return.
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