“It is,” said Levy.
“And do not his affairs necessitate his serious and undivided attention?”
“They do indeed,” quoth the baron. “Gentlemen, I have nothing to urge in behalf of my distinguished friend as against the statement of his adopted son, Mr. Leslie.”
“Then all I can say,” cried the butcher, striking his huge fist on the table, “is, that Mr. Egerton has behaved d—-d unhandsome to us, and we shall be the laughing-stock of the borough.”
“Softly, softly,” said Harley. “There is a knock at the door behind. Excuse me.”
Harley quitted the room, but only for a minute or two. On his return he addressed himself to Randal.
“Are we then to understand, Mr. Leslie, that your intention is not to resign?”
“Unless your Lordship actually urge me to the contrary, I should say, Let the election go on, and all take our chance. That seems to me the fair, manly, ENGLISH [great emphasis on the last adjective], honourable course.”
“Be it so,” replied Harley; “‘let all take their chance.’ Mr. Leslie, we will no longer detain you. Go back to the polling-place,—one of the candidates should be present; and you, Baron Levy, be good enough to go also, and return thanks to those who may yet vote for Mr. Egerton.”
Levy bowed, and went out arm-in-arm with Randal. “Capital, capital,” said the baron. “You have a wonderful head.”