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 although, of course, you could hardly be expected to realize that.

"Oh, how splendid!"

"Yes, old girl; and old Sir Joseph Thingamy—nice old boy—says you are to attend all the meetings and make most of the speeches, and I'm to sign a League form for Blackhampton Rovers and kick three goals against Liverpool, and everything will be as right as rain."

"Why, of course it will, Phil-ipp, when I've got dear old Blackhampton in my pocket."

And Mary flung away her novel, and rose with the light of battle in her eye in order to confirm this startling announcement.

A general election was expected in October. The head office said things must be put in train at once. Communications had, of course, to pass between the constituency and Westminster, but within a month Mr. Philip had received an invitation from the Chief Tribesmen of South-West Blackhampton to come forth and make the acquaintance with his views.

Then it was that Mr. Philip found himself in a bit of a funk. The fact was that he hadn't any views—at least, any views to speak about. Party of progress; government of the People, by the People, for the People; greatest good of the greatest number, and so forth.