Page:Eliot - Felix Holt, the Radical, vol. II, 1866.djvu/91

Rh spirits," added Mr Wace, raising his voice a little and looking at a guest lower down. "You've got to vote for a Radical with one side of your mouth, and make a wry face with the other; but he'll turn round by-and-by. As Parson Jack says, he's got the right sort of blood in him."

"I don't care two straws who I vote for," said Dibbs, sturdily. "I'm not going to make a wry face. It stands to reason a man should vote for his landlord. My farm's in good condition, and I've got the best pasture on the estate. The rot's never come nigh me. Let them grumble as are on the wrong side of the hedge."

"I wonder if Jermyn'll bring him in, though," said Mr Sircome, the great miller. "He's an uncommon fellow for carrying things through. I know he brought me through that suit about my weir; it cost a pretty penny, but he brought me through."

"It's a bit of a pill for him, too, having to turn Radical," said Mr Wace. "They say he counted on making friends with Sir Maximus, by this young one coming home and joining with Mr Philip."

"But I'll bet a penny he brings Transome in," said Mr Sircome. "Folks say he hasn't got many votes hereabout; but towards Duffield, and all there,