Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/305

Rh but, with the Independents at your back, you are secure. As to me, my dear fellow, you know that I am——

Turnstile. But man! the Independents, as you call them, have taken up Highway; he blusters, and goes any length.

Byeways. But Smooth, you know, is strong in Shoreditch,—Government interest,—you brought him in last time; and you and he, together——

Turnstile. I know it; but he says he is not strong enough to run any risk. If you will be my chairman, with a good committee, we may at least die game.

Byeways. My dear Turnstile, you know how glad I always am to serve you—and you know what I think;—but in my situation, my dear fellow, it is quite impossible that I can oppose the ministers. MacLeech too, they say, is a candidate; and his brother-in-law's uncle was very civil, last year, in Scotland, to my wife's cousin.—But I have a plan for you. There is Atall, just come to town; make him your chief, and bring the Cambridge men together. The clergy were always strong in Shoreditch. Atall can speak to them.—I am obliged to go to the War Office.—And you had better lose no time in seeing Atall. Sorry to bid you good-bye. [Exit.

Turnstile. Well, this is strange! yet I thought I might have counted upon Byeways. [Exit.

Mrs. Fubsey. But, my dear sister; how can you so beflatter that poor man? You don't know all the mischief you may do to him.

Lady Flumm. "Poor man!" I cannot pity him. His maxim is, that knowledge is power; and he thinks his 3em