At Loughshane things had nearly been as pleasant with him.

He had almost been taught to think that nothing could be easier than getting into Parliament if only a man could live when he was there.

But Loughton and Loughshane were gone, with so many other comfortable things of old days, and now he found himself relegated to a borough to which, as it seemed to him, he was sent to fight, not that he might win, but because it was necessary to his party that the seat should not be allowed to be lost without fighting.

He had had the pleasant things of parliamentary adventure, and now must undergo those which were unpleasant.

No doubt he could have refused, but he had listened to the tempter, and could not now go back, though Mr.Ruddles was hardly more encouraging than Mr.
Molescroft.
"Browborough has been at work for the last three days," said Mr.
Ruddles, in a tone of reproach.