Geoffrey read the letter through; then immediately sat down and wrote to his friend the whip, accepting the suggestion of the Government.
The next fortnight was a hard one for him, but Geoffrey was as good a man on the platform as in court, and he had, moreover, the very valuable knack of suiting himself to his audience.

As his canvass went on it was generally recognised that the seat which had been considered hopeless was now doubtful.

A great amount of public interest was concentrated on the election, both upon the Unionist and the Separatist side, each claiming that the result of the poll would show to their advantage.

The Home Rule party strained every nerve against him, being most anxious to show that the free and independent electors of this single division, and therefore of the country at large, held the Government policy in particular horror.

Letters were obtained from great authorities and freely printed.