d over his head, and not quite knowing how to carry on
his suit. "I'll tell father what you was saying to me and what I said
to you," continued Polly, who seemed quite to understand that Ralph
had done his duty by his creditor in making the offer, and that
justice to him demanded that this should be acknowledged by the whole
family.

"And is that to be all, Polly?" asked Ralph in a melancholy voice.

"All at present, Mr. Newton."

Ralph, as he returned to London in his cab, felt more hurt by the
girl's refusal of him than he would before have thought to be
possible. He was almost disposed to resolve that he would at once
renew the siege and carry it on as though there were no question
of twenty thousand pounds, and of money borrowed from the
breeches-maker. Polly had shown so much spirit in the interview,
and had looked so well in showing it, had stood up such a perfect
specimen of healthy, comely, honest womanhood, that he thought that
he did love her. There was, however, one comfort clearly left to him.
He had done his duty by old Neefit. The money due must of course
be paid;--but he had in good faith done that which he had pledged
himself to do in taking the money.

As to the surrender of the estate there were still left to him four
days in which to think of it.

CHAPTER XX.

THE CONSERVATIVES OF PERCYCROSS.

Early in this month of September there had come a proposition to Sir
Thomas, which had thoroughly disturbed him, and made him for a few
days a most miserable man. By the tenth of the month, however, he
had so far recovered himself as to have made up his mind in regard
to the proposition with some feeling of triumphant expectation.
On the following day he went home to Fulham, and communicated
his determination to his eldest daughter in the following words;
"Patience, I am going to stand for the borough of Percycross."

"Papa!"

"Yes. I dare say I'm a fool for my pains. It will cost me some money
which I oughtn't to spend; and if I get in I don't know that I can do
any good, or that it can do me any good. I suppose you think I'm very
wrong?"

"I am delighted,--and so will Clary be. I'm so much pleased! Why
shouldn't you be in Parliament? I have always longed that you should
go back to public life, though I have never liked to say so to you."

"It is very kind of you to say it now, my dear."

"And I feel it." There was no doubt of that, for, as she spoke, the
tears were streaming from her e