It was a close contest indeed. On the night of the poll, the Mayor most unfortunately succumbed to the strain and died suddenly.
In the result I won the seat by a majority of 11 (after two counts), on a poll of over 11,000 votes.
When I had taken my seat in the House, a political opponent whose opinions were as changeable as the wind, who had held high office, and who was distinguished by a handsome and majestic presence, said to me in the smoking-room:
"Well, my dear Charlie, you have not much of the appearance of a statesman."
"My dear old friend," I said, "you must not judge by appearances. You have not the appearance of a weather-cock—but you are one."
At Christmas, 1908, Mr. Henniker Heaton's indomitable perseverance had resulted in the establishment of Imperial penny postage in every part of the British Empire except Australia and New Zealand. Lord Randolph Churchill and myself were hearty supporters of Mr. Henniker Heaton, who gave to each of us a golden penny in commemoration of the event.
CHAPTER XLII
COVETED CHINA
NOTE