ll went back to the hotel,
and Mr. Sprugeon with Mr. Sprout and the landlord drank a glass of
sherry at the candidate's expense, wishing him political long life
and prosperity. There was no one else whom it was thought necessary
that the candidate should visit, and the next day he returned to town
with the understanding that on the day appointed in the next week he
should come back again to be elected.

And on the day appointed the two young men again went to
Silverbridge, and after he had been declared duly elected, the new
Member of Parliament made his first speech. There was a meeting in
the town-hall and many were assembled anxious to hear,--not the lad's
opinions, for which probably nobody cared much,--but the tone of his
voice and to see his manner. Of what sort was the eldest son of the
man of whom the neighbourhood had been so proud? For the county was
in truth proud of their Duke. Of this son whom they had now made a
Member of Parliament they at present only knew that he had been sent
away from Oxford,--not so very long ago,--for painting the Dean's
house scarlet. The speech was not very brilliant. He told them
that he was very much obliged to them for the honour they had done
him. Though he could not follow exactly his father's political
opinions,--he would always have before his eyes his father's
political honesty and independence. He broke down two or three times
and blushed, and repeated himself, and knocked his words a great deal
too quickly one on the top of another. But it was taken very well,
and was better than was expected. When it was over he wrote a line to
the Duke.

MY DEAR FATHER,

I am Member of Parliament for Silverbridge,--as you used
to be in the days which I can first remember. I hope you
won't think that it does not make me unhappy to have
differed from you. Indeed it does. I don't think that
anybody has ever done so well in politics as you have.
But when a man does take up an opinion I don't see how
he can help himself. Of course I could have kept myself
quiet;--but then you wished me to be in the House. They
were all very civil to me at Silverbridge, but there was
very little said.

Your affectionate Son,

SILVERBRIDGE.

CHAPTER XV

The Duke Receives a Letter,--and Writes One

The Duke, when he received Mrs. Finn's note, demanding an interview,
thought much upon the matter before he replied. She had made her
demand as though t