Page:Passions 2.pdf/45

Rh

How, now, Jenkison? things go on prosperously I hope.

Jen. Sir, I am concerned—or, indeed, sorry—that is to say, I wish I could have the satisfaction to say that they do.

Free. What say you? sorry and satisfied? You are a smooth spoken man, Mr. Jenkison, but tell me the worst at once. I thought I had been pretty sure of it as the poll stood this morning.

Jen. It would have given me great pleasure, Sir, to have confirmed that opinion; but unfortunately for you, and unpleasantly for myself

Free. Tut, tut, speak faster, man! What is it?

Jen. An old gentleman from Ensford, who formerly received favours from Mrs. Baltimore's father, has come many a mile across the country, out of pure good will, to vote for him, with ten or twelve distant voters at his heels; and this, I am free to confess, is a thing that was never taken into our calculation,

Free. That was very wrong tho': we should have taken every thing into our calculation. Shall I lose it, think you? I would rather lose ten thousand pounds.

Mrs. F. Yes, Mr. Freeman, that is spoken like yourself.

Jen. A smaller sum than that, I am almost sure—that is to say, I think I may have the boldness to promise, would seecue it to you.

Free. How so?