"I cannot bring myself to encourage a system of corruption," said Glentworth.
"Nor would I have you; but you cannot fail to be aware that considerable, unavoidable, and what may be called natural expenses must take place?"
"Of course; and I shall go to my bankers the first thing, and secure a round sum in my pocket."
"Well, then, set out, and leave women to talk about women's work."
The moment he was gone, Lady Allerton was placed at the writing-desk; and Lady Anne not only dictated a succession of notes to dear old friends with the utmost perspicuity and ability, but she drew up with her own hand minutes for the forming a committee, and a short digest of what it was necessary for a candidate to promise, admit, and avoid. Recalling her local knowledge of the neighbourhood, she advised what charities he should subscribe to, what interests he had best support, and on what topics he must touch, observing, "that there was not any thing so flattering to obscure people as shewing, beyond a doubt, that you had made their welfare a particular study, and knew not only the magnates of the town, but every gradation, down to the lowest cobbler's last apprentice."
On Glentworth's return, he was absolutely surprised by exertions which were wonderful, as made by such a shadow; and, struck by the penetration
