"Look at Hollingford! True, it was never a centre of Liberalism, but the Liberals used to make a good fight, and they had so much intelligence on their side that the town could not sink into utter dulness.

What do we see now ?" He raised his hand and grew rhetorical.

"The crassest Toryism sweeping all before it, and everywhere depositing its mud--which chokes and does _not_ fertilise.

We have athletic clubs, we have a free library, we are better drained and cleaner and healthier and more bookish, with all, than in the old times; but for politics--alas! A base level of selfish and purblind materialism--personified by Robb!" At the name of the borough member, Lady Ogram's dark eyes flashed.
"Ah, Robb," interjected Lashmar.

"Tell me something about Robb.