THE ELECTION
Now hatred is by far the longest pleasure;
Men love in haste, but they detest at leisure.
---- BYRON
On hearing of Middleton's visit, Mr. Wentworth began his
preparations. Meeting with Thomas Lake and Riley at the
back of the tap-room of The Bull--where the landlord saw
to it that they remained undisturbed--he laid out their
plan of campaign.
"That d---l Middleton shall not have the seat," he raved,
"not for Lord H------; no, nor for a hundred Lords! We
shall see to it that every man's hand is turned against
him when he arrives."
Lake unfolded a paper from his vest-pocket and smoothed it
on the table. "Here are the expenses we should undertake."
Doran L13 10s.
Titwell L 8 7s. 6d.
St. Charles L25
* * * * *
"I shall go down to Wokingham", said Middleton, "a few days
before the election, and the Major will stay here. I
understand that there will be no other candidate, and _I_
shall take the seat.
"The Major is a . . . flaneur. He has no interest beyond
his own advancement. I can buy him for L100. HERE is his
answer."
Wallace wondered at the hubris of his friend, and examined
the note Middleton thrust upon him.
"Sir,
No consideration would induce me to change my resolve
in this matter, but I am willing to engage your services as
my agent for a fee of L100.
H. Middleton"