Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/113

 have voted in the House of Lords, but you won't have even that obligation to perform until after the election. The moment the writs are issued, you daren't open your mouth on the political situation. You must not write a letter to a candidate, and it is a criminal offence if you try to influence an elector concerning his vote. You just attempt any political duty, Lord Stranleigh, before the last poll is declared, and you may find yourself in one of His Majesty's prisons."

"Is that true, Sir George, or is he merely chaffing me?"

"True enough, Stranleigh. Until after the election you are politically the most helpless of human beings."

"You amaze me!" exclaimed Stranleigh. "I gathered through reading the newspapers that I was trampling underfoot the liberties of the free-born voters of this country; that I represented nobody, yet throttled the nation, and therefore must be swept away."

"I believe," said Sir George, "that rather accurately states the condition of things, but if I were you, Stranleigh, I wouldn't worry, and especially do I advise you not to take any steps towards the defence of your order. I think a peer, defending