ving up his seat, and latterly had only waited in
hopes that the succession at Redclyffe might come to Philip Morville.
Moorworth was entirely under the Thorndale and Morville interest, and
Lord Thorndale wrote to propose that Philip should come forward at once,
inviting him to Thorndale instead of going to his own empty house.

To be in parliament had been one of the favourite visions of Philip's
youth, and for that very reason he hesitated, taking it as one of the
strange fulfilments of his desires that had become punishments. He could
not but feel that as this unhappy load of wealth had descended on him,
he was bound to make it as beneficial as he could to others, and not
seeking for rest or luxury, to stand in the gap where every good man and
true was needed. But still he dreaded his old love of distinction. He
disliked a London life for Laura, and he thought that, precarious as
his health had become, it might expose her to much anxiety, since he
was determined that if he undertook it at all, he would never be an idle
member.

It ended in his referring the decision to Laura, who, disliking London,
fearful for his health, eager for his glory, and reluctant to keep back
such a champion from the battle, was much perplexed, only desirous to
say what he wished, yet not able to make out what that might be. She
carried her doubts to Charles and Amabel, who both pronounced that the
thought of going to Redclyffe seemed far worse for him than any degree
of employment--that occupation of the mind was the best thing for his
spirits; and ended by recommending that Dr. Mayerne should be consulted.

He was of the same opinion. He said a man could hardly have two fevers
following, and one of them upon the brain, without having reason to
remember them. That his constitution had been seriously weakened, and
there was an excitability of brain and nerves which made care requisite;
but depression of spirits was the chief thing to guard against, and a
London life, provided he did not overwork himself, was better for him
than solitude at Redclyffe.

Accordingly Philip went to Thorndale, and was returned for Moorworth
without opposition. Markham sent his nephew to transact business with
him at Thorndale, for he could not bear to meet him himself, and while
there was any prospect of his coming to Redclyffe, walked about in
paroxysms of grunting and ill-humour. The report that Mr. Morville was
engaged to the other Miss Edmonstone did but