Midleton means," said Mrs. Harrop when he
had gone. "The bell did ring, loud enough for most people to have heard
it, and I waited ever so long."
He walked down the street with his customary firm step, and met Mr.
Bingham who stopped him, half smiling and not quite at his ease.
"We are sorry, Doctor, you did not give Hutchings your vote for the
almshouse last Thursday; we expected you would have gone with us."
"You expected? Why?"
"Well, you see, sir, Hutchings has always worked hard for our side."
"I am astonished, Mr. Bingham, that you should suppose that I will ever
consent to divert the funds of a trust for party purposes."
Mr. Bingham, although he had just determined to give the Doctor a bit of
his mind, felt his strength depart from him. His sentences lacked power
to stand upright and fell sprawling. "No offence, Doctor, I merely
wanted you to know--not so much my own views--difficulty to keep our
friends together. Short--you know Tom Short--was saying to me he was
afraid--"
"Pay no attention to fools. Good morning.
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