ELECTIONEERING.
"Has at heart the best interests of the Borough;" i.e., Means to subscribe largely to all local clubs and charities.
"The honour of representing you in Parliament;" i.e., "The pleasure of advertising myself."
"I should wish to keep my mind open on that subject;" i.e., "I cannot afford to commit myself just yet."
PARLIAMENTARY.
"I have never heard such an astounding argument;" i.e., "Since I last employed it myself."
"To come to the real question at issue;" i.e., "To introduce my one strong point."
"I do not pledge myself to these figures;" i.e., "The next speaker will very likely show them to be absolutely unreliable."
IN THE SMOKING-ROOM.
"Oh, as to all that, I quite agree with you;" i.e., "I wasn't listening."