The sheriff acknowledged it,then leaned over the table talking with rather frosty civility to Lord Luxmore.Their acquaintance seemed solely that of business.People whispered that Sir Ralph never forgot that the Oldtowers were Crusaders when the Ravenels were--nobody.Also the baronet,whose ancestors were all honourable men and stainless women,found it hard to overlook a certain royal bar-sinister,which had originated the Luxmore earldom,together with a few other blots which had tarnished that scutcheon since.So folk said;but probably Sir Ralph's high principle was at least as strong as his pride,and that the real cause of his dislike was founded on the too well-known character of the Earl of Luxmore.
They ceased talking;the sheriff rose,and briefly stated that Richard Brithwood,Esquire,of the Mythe,would nominate a candidate.
The candidate was Gerard Vermilye,Esquire;at the mention of whose name one Norton Bury man broke into a horse-laugh,which was quenched by his immediate ejection from the meeting.
Then,Mr.Thomas Brown,steward of the Earl of Luxmore,seconded the nomination.
After a few words between the sheriff,his son,and Lord Luxmore,the result of which seemed rather unsatisfactory than otherwise,Sir Ralph Oldtower again rose.
"Gentlemen and electors,there being no other candidate proposed,nothing is left me but to declare Gerard Vermilye,Esquire--"John Halifax made his way to the table."Sir Ralph,pardon my interruption,but may I speak a few words?"Mr.Brithwood started up with an angry oath.
"My good sir,"said the baronet,with a look of reprehension which proved him of the minority who thought swearing ungentlemanly.
"By --,Sir Ralph,you shall not hear that low fellow!""Excuse me,I must,if he has a right to be heard.Mr.Halifax,you are a freeman of Kingswell?""I am."
This fact surprised none more than myself.
Brithwood furiously exclaimed that it was a falsehood."The fellow does not belong to this neighbourhood at all.He was picked up in Norton Bury streets--a beggar,a thief,for all I know.""You do know very well,Mr.Brithwood.Sir Ralph,I was never either a beggar or a thief.I began life as a working lad--a farm-labourer--until Mr.Fletcher,the tanner,took me into his employ.""So I have always understood,"said Sir Ralph,courteously."And next to the man who is fortunate enough to boast a noble origin,Irespect the man who is not ashamed of an ignoble one.""That is not exactly my position either,"said John,with a half smile."But we are passing from the question in hand,which is simply my claim to be a freeman of this borough.""On what grounds?"
"You will find in the charter a clause,seldom put in force,that the daughter of a freeman can confer the freedom on her husband.My wife's late father,Mr.Henry March,was a burgess of Kingswell.Iclaimed my rights,and registered,this year.Ask your clerk,Sir Ralph,if I have not spoken correctly."The old white-headed clerk allowed the fact.
Lord Luxmore looked considerably surprised,and politely incredulous still.His son-in-law broke out into loud abuse of this "knavery.""I will pass over this ugly word,Mr.Brithwood,merely stating that--"
"We are quite satisfied,"interrupted Lord Luxmore,blandly."My dear sir,may I request so useful a vote and so powerful an interest as yours,for our friend,Mr.Vermilye?""My lord,I should be very sorry for you to misapprehend me for a moment.It is not my intention,except at the last extremity,to vote at all.If I do,it will certainly not be for Mr.Brithwood's nominee.Sir Ralph,I doubt if,under some circumstances,which by your permission I am about to state,Mr.Gerard Vermilye can keep his seat,even if elected."A murmur arose from the crowd of mechanics and labourers,who,awed by such propinquity to gentry and even nobility,had hitherto hung sheepishly back;but now,like all English crowds,were quite ready to "follow the leader,"especially one they knew.
"Hear him!hear the master!"was distinguishable on all sides.Mr.
Brithwood looked too enraged for words;but Lord Luxmore,taking snuff with a sarcastic smile,said:
"Honores mutant mores!--I thought,Mr.Halifax,you eschewed politics?""Mere politics I do,but not honesty,justice,morality;and a few facts have reached my knowledge,though possibly not Lord Luxmore's,which make me feel that Mr.Vermilye's election would be an insult to all three;therefore,I oppose it."A louder murmur rose.
"Silence,you scoundrels!"shouted Mr.Brithwood;adding his usual formula of speech,which a second time extorted the old baronet's grave rebuke.
"It seems,Sir Ralph,that democracy is rife in your neighbourhood.
True,my acquaintance has not lain much among the commonalty,but still I was not aware that the people choose the Member of Parliament.""They do not,Lord Luxmore,"returned the sheriff,somewhat haughtily."But we always hear the people.Mr.Halifax,be brief.
What have you to allege against Mr.Brithwood's nominee?""First,his qualification.He has not three hundred,nor one hundred a-year.He is deeply in debt,at Norton Bury and elsewhere.
Warrants are out against him;and only as an M.P.can he be safe from outlawry.Add to this,an offence common as daylight,yet which the law dare not wink at when made patent--that he has bribed,with great or small sums,every one of the fifteen electors of Kingswell;and Ithink I have said enough to convince any honest Englishman that Mr.
Gerard Vermilye is not fit to represent them in Parliament."Here a loud cheer broke from the crowd at the door and under the open windows,where,thick as bees,the villagers had now collected.
They,the un-voting,and consequently unbribable portion of the community,began to hiss indignantly at the fifteen unlucky voters.