Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/267

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LADY ANNE GRANARD.
265

up in the shape of a spouting pedagogue, or a reasoning shoemaker, either of whom might carry the day by a coup-de-main, and both of whom, what ever might be their merits or demerits, were considered incorruptible, therefore remained untempted, for worlds would not have induced Glentworth to tamper with principle, or unsettle conscience.

It was in the forenoon of the day preceding the election that Lord Meersbrook and his brother drove into the town, and were gladly hailed by Lord and Lady Allerton, who had been watching the construction of the hustings, and gladly pointed out to them the inn where they would find their friends. This circumstance informed the carpenters of the actual arrival of that friend of the elder candidate, whom they considered the latest wonder of the world, and respecting whom an interest had been awakened which would, at least, ensure that immense attendance at the hustings, which never fails to give an impetus to the proceedings. There is much of animal magnetism in all large bodies; the preaching of Peter, the hermit, which sent half Europe to the Crusades, would have taken very little effect if delivered in a parish church, to a small con-