it was a pity he was not a hermit, vowed to poverty.

Very shortly a message was brought to Lady Mary, saying that her
father wished to see her. She went at once, and found him seated
on a sofa, which stood close along the bookshelves on one side of
the room. The table had already been cleared, and he was alone. He
not only was alone, but had not even a pamphlet or newspaper in
his hand.

Then she knew that Tregear must have told the story. As this
occurred to her, her legs almost gave way under her. 'Come and sit
down, Mary,' he said, pointing to the seat on the sofa beside
himself.

She sat down and took one of his hands within her own. Then, as he
did not begin at once, she asked a question. 'Will Silverbridge
stand for the county, papa?'

'No, my dear.'

'But for the town.'

'Yes, my dear.'

'And he won't be a Liberal?'

'I am afraid not. It is a cause of great unhappiness to me; but I
do not know that I should be justified in any absolute opposition.
A man is entitled to his own opinion, even though he be a very
young man.'