vinced, then dined
at his club, and afterwards went down to Fulham. He had heard nothing
from Stemm, or elsewhere, of the intended candidature.

Sir Thomas was not at Fulham, nor did the girls know aught of his
whereabouts. But the great story was soon told. Papa was going to
stand for Percycross. "We are so glad," said Mary Bonner, bursting
out into enthusiasm. "We walk about the garden making speeches to the
electors all day. Oh dear, I do wish we could do something."

"Glad is no word," said Clarissa. "But if he loses it!"

"The very trying for it is good," said Patience. "It is just the
proper thing for papa."

"I shall feel so proud when uncle is in Parliament again," said Mary
Bonner. "A woman's pride is always vicarious;--but still it is
pride."

Ralph also was surprised,--so much surprised that for a few minutes
his own affairs were turned out of his head. He, too, had thought
that Sir Thomas would never again do anything in the world,--unless
that book should be written of which he had so often heard
hints,--though never yet, with any accuracy, its name or subject. Sir
Thomas, he was told, had been at Percycross, but was not supposed
to be there now. "Of course he was in his chambers," said Clarissa.
"Old Stemm does know how to tell lies so well!" It was, however,
acknowledged that, having on his hands a piece of business so very
weighty, Sir Thomas might be almost anywhere without any fault on his
part. A gentleman in the throes of an election for Parliament could
not be expected to be at home. Even Patience did not feel called upon
to regret his absence.

Before he went back to town Ralph found himself alone with Mary for
a few minutes. "Mr. Newton," she said, "why don't you stand for
Parliament?"

"I have not the means."

"You have great prospects. I should have thought you were just
the man who ought to make it the work of your life to get into
Parliament." Ralph began to ask himself what had been the work of his
life. "They say that to be of real use a man ought to begin young."

"Nobody ought to go into the House without money," said Ralph.

"That means, I suppose, that men shouldn't go in who want their time
to earn their bread. But you haven't that to do. If I were a man such
as you are I would always try to be something. I am sure Parliament
was meant for men having estates such as you will have."

"When I've got it, I'll think about Parliament, Miss Bonner."

"Perhaps it will be too la