"
"I am much obliged to you. I see your motives: you are straightforward
and I respect you."
Mrs. Sweeting thanked him and departed. His first feeling was wrath.
Never was there a man less likely to be cowed. He put on his hat and
walked to his committee-room, where he found Mr. Bingham.
"No doubt, I suppose, Mr. Bingham?"
"Don't know, Doctor; the Radicals have got a strong candidate in Jem
Casey. Some of our people will turn, I'm afraid, and split their
votes."
"Split votes! with a fellow like that! How can there be any splitting
between an honest man and a rascal?"
"There shouldn't be, sir, but--" Mr. Bingham hesitated--"I suppose there
may be personal considerations."
"Personal considerations! what do you mean? Let us have no more of
these Langborough tricks. Out with it, Bingham! Who are the persons
and what are the considerations?"
"I really can't say, Doctor, but perhaps you may not be as popular as
you were. You've--" but Mr. Bingham's strength again completely failed
him, and he took a sudden turn--"You've taken a decided line lately at
several of our meetings.
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