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"Yes?" said Leith quickening interest

"And ant you to take his place I spoke to him, and he is enthusiastic on the matter I wired to the Conservative Club at Gledsmuir, and it seems you are their most cherished possibility The leaders of the party are , so it only remains for you to consent, my dear boy"

"I--don't--think--I--can," said the possibility slowly "You see, only to-day I told that n, and that I was sick of party politics and would not interfere with his chances The poor beggar is desperately keen, and if I stood noould think enuous"

"But there is no reason why he should not know the truth You can tell hiht, and that you act only in deference to strong external pressure"

"In that case he would think h reputation for lack of seriousness in these matters already Theto hinder hied my et a very co"

"Do you mind, Lewie, if I advise you to take it seriously? It is really not a case for little scruples about reputation There are rocks ahead of me, and I want a man like you in the House more than I could make you understand You say you hate party politics, and I am with you, but there is no reason why you should not use them as a crutch to better work You are in your way an expert, and that is ill need above all things in the next few years Of course, if you feel yourself bound by a pro more to say; but, unless the man is a lunatic, he will admit the justice of your case"

"You reat doubt "I hate the idea of fighting Stocks, and I shall ods, and as for the rest I take the responsibility I shall speak to Stocks ht, but I see no reason why you should not win After all, it is your own countryside, and you are a better man than your opponent"