Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/172

170 perfection; "but he was really too delightful, he excited her too much;" and, as both parents thought this very possible, Helen carried him down stairs, her mamma internally observing, "how can people be such fools as to talk of a child, who have an election before them! besides, to tell truth, Charles Penrhyn's boy is the handsomer and bigger." Released from "the enchanting creature," she entered with avidity and warm interest into the election affair, reminded Mr. Glentworth of numerous persons he had met in his boyhood, and others of whom he had heard Mr. Granard speak, shewed herself perfectly cognizant on all subjects connected with obtaining votes, and thought, by an hour's calculation, she could find what would be the average price of all who hung back, and recalled the different character of the neighbouring parishes. Lady Allerton ventured to remind her, "that a great change had taken place since she left the Park, as the Reform Bill had passed." "The Reform Bill has shortened the period for the canaille to get drunk in, we all know, but it has nothing to do whatever with the voters themselves. Some give their votes for the colour, because their fathers did; others, to oppose their fathers; the thoughtless, for the honour and the fun; but prudent men sell them, and are always the surest card."