Although, when I was informed of this scheme, I was bitterly offended by the small attention which Raymond paid to my sister’s feelings, I was led by reflection to consider, that he acted under the force of such strong excitement, as to take from him the consciousness, and, consequently, the guilt of a fault.  If he had permitted us to witness his agitation, he would have been more under the guidance of reason; but his struggles for the shew of composure, acted with such violence on his nerves, as to destroy his power of self-command.  I am convinced that, at the worst, he would have returned from the seashore to take leave of us, and to make us the partners of his council.  But the task imposed on Perdita was not the less painful.  He had extorted from her a vow of secrecy; and her part of the drama, since it was to be performed alone, was the most agonizing that could be devised.  But to return to my narrative.

The debates had hitherto been long and loud; they had often been protracted merely for the sake of delay.  But now each seemed fearful lest the fatal moment should pass, while the choice was yet undecided.  Unwonted silence reigned in the house, the members spoke in whispers, and the ordinary business was transacted with celerity and quietness.  During the first stage of the election, the Duke of——­had been thrown out; the question therefore lay between Lord Raymond and Mr. Ryland.  The latter had felt secure of victory, until the appearance of Raymond; and, since his name had been inserted as a candidate, he had canvassed with eagerness.  He had appeared each evening, impatience and anger marked in his looks, scowling on us from the opposite side of St. Stephen’s, as if his mere frown would cast eclipse on our hopes.

Every thing in the English constitution had been regulated for the better preservation of peace.  On the last day, two candidates only were allowed to remain; and to obviate, if possible, the last struggle between these, a bribe was offered to him who should voluntarily resign his pretensions; a place of great emolument and honour was given him, and his success facilitated at a future election.  Strange to say however, no instance had yet occurred, where either candidate had had recourse to this expedient; in consequence the law had become obsolete, nor had been referred to by any of us in our discussions.  To our extreme surprise, when it was moved that we should resolve ourselves into a committee for the election of the Lord Protector, the member who had nominated Ryland, rose and informed us that this candidate had resigned his pretensions.  His information was at first received with silence; a confused murmur succeeded; and, when the chairman declared Lord Raymond duly chosen, it amounted to a shout of applause and victory.  It seemed as if, far from any dread of defeat even if Mr. Ryland had not resigned, every voice would have been united in favour of our candidate.  In fact, now that the idea of contest was dismissed, all hearts returned to their former respect and admiration of our accomplished friend.  Each felt, that England had never seen a Protector so capable of fulfilling the arduous duties of that high office.  One voice made of many voices, resounded through the chamber; it syllabled the name of Raymond.