I still don't know why." He turned as though appealing to Dartrey, and Dartrey accepted the challenge, swinging a little around in his chair and tapping his cigarette against the table, preparatory to lighting it.
"You lost Hellesfield, Mr.Tallente, as you would have lost any seat north of Bedford," he declared.
"Owing to the influence of the Democrats ?" "Certainly." "But why is that influence exercised against me ?" Tallente demanded.

"I am thankful to have an opportunity of asking you that question, Dartrey.
Surely you would reckon me more of a people's man than these Whigs and Coalitionists ?" "Very much more," Dartrey agreed.

"So much more, Mr.Tallente, that we don't wish to see you dancing any longer between two stools.

We want you in our camp.

You are the first man, Tallente, whom we have sought out in this way.