"What, are you going too?" cried Jimmy.
Mrs. Baxter explained that they were not going to join Mr. Quisanté; indeed they were bound for the opposite camp, being on their way to stay with the Mildmays. The Dean added that his presence had no political significance; the Mildmays were old friends, and the visit quite unconnected with the election. "Although," the Dean added, "I shall find it interesting to watch the fight." His manner indicated that his sympathies were divided. Jimmy hastened to explain his presence.
"I'm only going because of May and Fanny. I don't care a straw about Quisanté," he said, "although I'm loyal to the party, of course."
"I'm not a party man," observed the Dean. How should he be, when both parties contemptuously showed his dear Crusade the door?
"I want Sir Winterton to win," said Mrs. Baxter with mild firmness.
"Oh, I say!" murmured Jimmy, who was very ready to be made to feel uncomfortable. "Come now, why, Mrs. Baxter?"
Mrs. Baxter shook her head, and went on knitting the stocking which on journeys took the place of the wonted petticoat.
"My wife's taken a prejudice against Mr. Quisanté," the Dean explained apologetically.
"A prejudice!" said Mrs. Baxter with a patient withering smile; she implied that her husband would be calling religion and the virtues prejudices next.
"There's nothing particularly wrong with him," Jimmy protested weakly.