They have not the taste."
Eleonora said no more, but went over to the window where Raymond was
keeping his guard, with his old-fashioned sense of protection. She
had no sooner told him than he started into incredulous indignation,
in which he was joined by his wife who only wished him to dash
forward to prevent the scheme before he would believe it real.
However, when the ballot-box came his way, and a simpering youth
presented him with a card, begging for his opinion, he spoke so as
to be heard by all, "No, thank you, sir. I am requested by the
ladies present to state that such competition was never contemplated
by their committee and would be repugnant to all their sentiments.
They beg that the election may be at once dropped and the money
returned."
Mr. Charnock Poynsett had a weight that no one resisted. There was
a moment's silence, a little murmur, apologetic and remonstrant, but
the deed was done.
Only a clear voice, with the thrillings of disappointed vanity and
exultation scarcely disguised by a laugh, was heard saying, louder
than the owner knew, "Oh, of course Mr.
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