you'll think of it."

But Mr. Pabsby was not going to let them escape in that way. It
was not every day that he had a Sir Thomas, or a candidate for the
borough, or even a Mr. Trigger, in that little parlour. The fact was
that Mr. Trigger, who generally knew what he was about, had made a
mistake. Sir Thomas, who was ready enough to depart, saw that an
immediate escape was impossible. "Sir Thomas," began Mr. Pabsby, in
a soft, greasy voice,--a voice made up of pretence, politeness and
saliva,--"if you will give me three minutes to express myself on this
subject I shall be obliged to you."

"Certainly," said Sir Thomas, sitting bolt upright in his chair, and
holding his hat as though he were determined to go directly the three
minutes were over.

"A minister of the Gospel in this town is placed in a peculiar
position, Sir Thomas," said Mr. Pabsby very slowly, "and of all
the ministers of religion in Percycross mine is the most peculiar.
In this matter I would wish to be guided wholly by duty, and if I
could see my way clearly I would at once declare it to you. But, Sir
Thomas, I owe much to the convictions of my people."

"Which way do you mean to vote?" asked Mr. Trigger.

Mr. Pabsby did not even turn his face at this interruption. "A
private man, Sir Thomas, may follow the dictates of--of--of his own
heart, perhaps." Here he paused, expecting to be encouraged by some
words. But Sir Thomas had acquired professionally a knowledge that
to such a speaker as Mr. Pabsby any rejoinder or argument was like
winding up a clock. It is better to allow such clocks to run down.
"With me, I have to consider every possible point. What will my
people wish? Some of them are eager in the cause of reform, Sir
Thomas; and some others--"

"We shall lose the train," said Mr. Trigger, jumping up and putting
on his hat.

"I'm afraid we shall," said Sir Thomas rising, but not putting on
his.

"Half a minute," said Mr. Pabsby pleading, but not rising from his
chair. "Perhaps you will do me the honour of calling on me when you
are again here in Percycross. I shall have the greatest pleasure in
discussing a few matters with you, Sir Thomas; and then, if I can
give you my poor help, it will give me and Mrs. Pabsby the most
sincere pleasure." Mrs. Pabsby had now entered the room, and was
introduced; but Trigger would not sit down again, nor take off his
hat. He boldly marshalled the way to the door, while Sir Thomas
followed, subject as h