“There are in round numbers about six hundred voters,” said he; “two hundred are decidedly in the Cranworth interest—­dare not offend Mr. Cranworth, poor souls!  Two hundred more we may calculate upon as pretty certain—­factory hands, or people connected with our trade in some way or another—­who are indignant at the stubborn way in which Cranworth has contested the right of water; two hundred are doubtful.”

“Don’t much care either way,” said the parliamentary agent.  “Of course, we must make them care.”

Mr. Bradshaw rather shrank from the knowing look with which this was said.  He hoped that Mr. Pilson did not mean to allude to bribery; but he did not express this hope, because he thought it would deter the agent from using this means, and it was possible it might prove to be the only way.  And if he (Mr. Bradshaw) once embarked on such an enterprise, there must be no failure.  By some expedient or another, success must be certain, or he could have nothing to do with it.  The parliamentary agent was well accustomed to deal with all kinds and shades of scruples.  He was most at home with men who had none; but still he could allow for human weakness; and he perfectly understood Mr. Bradshaw.

“I have a notion I know of a man who will just suit your purpose.  Plenty of money—­does not know what to do with it, in fact—­tired of yachting, travelling; wants something new.  I heard, through some of the means of intelligence I employ, that not very long ago he was wishing for a seat in Parliament.”

“A Liberal?” said Mr. Bradshaw.

“Decidedly.  Belongs to a family who were in the Long parliament in their day.”  Mr. Bradshaw rubbed his hands.

“Dissenter?” asked he.

“No, no!  Not so far as that.  But very lax Church.”

“What is his name?” asked Mr. Bradshaw eagerly.

“Excuse me.  Until I am certain that he would like to come forward for Eccleston, I think I had better not mention his name.”

The anonymous gentleman did like to come forward, and his name proved to be Donne.  He and Mr. Bradshaw had been in correspondence during all the time of Mr. Ralph Cranworth’s illness; and when he died, everything was arranged ready for a start, even before the Cranworths had determined who should keep the seat warm till the eldest son came of age, for the father was already member for the county.  Mr. Donne was to come down to canvass in person, and was to take up his abode at Mr. Bradshaw’s; and therefore it was that the seaside house, within twenty miles’ distance of Eccleston, was found to be so convenient as an infirmary and nursery for those members of his family who were likely to be useless, if not positive encumbrances, during the forthcoming election.

CHAPTER XXII

THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE AND HIS PRECURSOR