CHAPTER X.
The dinner went off very well indeed.
It was not merely her animus against Mr.Robb which supported Lady Ogram's belief in the future of the Liberals at Hollingford.

A certain restiveness could be noted in the public mind, heretofore so obedient to the long Tory tradition.

Mr.Breakspeare's paper certainly had an increasing sale, and an attention to Mr.Robb in public gatherings other than political was not so sure of cordial response as formerly.
This might only imply a personal dissatisfaction with the borough's representative, who of late had been very visibly fossilising; it would be difficult to explain a marked reaction in Hollingford against the tendencies of the country at large.

Still, a number of more or less active and intelligent persons had begun to talk of contesting the Tory seat, and with these the lady at Rivenoak held active communication.
They gathered about her this evening; enjoyed the excellent meal provided for them; inspected Mr.Dyce Lashmar, and listened attentively even to his casual remarks.

Mr.Lashmar might or might not prove to be the candidate of their choice; there was plenty of time to think about that; in the meantime, no one more suitable stood before them, and, having regard to Lady Ogram's social authority, considerable from one point of view, they were very willing to interest themselves in a man of whom she thought so highly.