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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 March 2024
“Here is a pretty affair, Emily,” said Everard, after reading with bent brows those long pages of a letter closely and rather illegibly written, and he handed her the epistle in question. After spending some time and trouble in decyphering it, Emily collected that Lord Sunderland, the writer, had proved satisfactorily to himself and, as he hoped, equally satisfactorily to other people, that Dunstan's election had been carried entirely by bribery. And he had written to express his determination to Everard of petitioning his rival out of the house, as soon as he should take his seat.
“Well Emmy?” said Everard, who had been watching her countenance.
“Well love, I think if he has obtained his election by unfair means, he certainly ought not to sit. And I am glad Lord Sunderland has taken decided steps about it. For if Dunstan has wronged and injured you in so base a way, he is no longer worthy of the name of friend.”
Everard sighed, but he answered: –
“Why Emmy, it is done at all elections almost, and I am afraid it was more my affection for Harry Dunstan than my horror of bribery, that made me so conscientious at the election of M___. I felt I could not bear to take an unfair advantage of him.”
“And he has abused your generosity,” said Emily warmly. “Everard, he is not fit for a friend. He is dangerous, even as a companion. For if, the moment his interest clashes with yours, he is willing to betray you, what dependence can you place on such a man? Oh, shame upon him! Who could pretend to feel injured, when he knew that he was winning the victory by the Devil's own weapon of Subtlety? But he will fall, he must fall, and I shall see you, dear Everard, where your talents ought to place you.”
Emily's prophecy was realized. Lord Sunderland gained his point and Everard took his place in the House of Commons as member for M –. And did Harry Dunstan take his disappointment calmly? No, he vowed vengeance, deep unremitting, untried, unsatiated vengeance on the head of his rival friend. But the oath was inaudible, save to Heaven and Hell. And the smile with which he had greeted his victim was the same cold bright smile which he had worn for years before, the smile which had dazzled Prinny Dure, the smile which had deceived Colin Campbell.
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