In fact, to tell the truth, this subject had been debated between
the partners, who saw the advantage of courting both the
Establishment and the Dissenters--a manoeuvre which, I need not say,
is repeated in almost every country town in England, where a
solicitor's house has this kind of power and connection.

Three months after this election came the races at Oldborough, and
the race-ball. Gorgon was so infuriated by his defeat, that he gave
"the Gorgon cup and cover," a matter of fifteen pounds. Scully,
"although anxious," as he wrote from town, "anxious beyond measure
to preserve the breed of horses for which our beloved country has
ever been famous, could attend no such sports as these, which but
too often degenerated into vice." It was voted a shabby excuse.
Lady Gorgon was radiant in her barouche and four, and gladly became
the patroness of the ball that was to ensue; and which all the
gentry and townspeople, Tory and Whig, were in the custom of
attending. The ball took place on the last day of the races. On
that day, the walls of the market-house, the principal public
buildings, and the "Gorgon Arms Hotel" itself, were plastered with
the following:--

"Letter from our distinguished representative, William P. Scully,
Esquire, etc., etc.

"HOUSE OF COMMONS: June 1, 18--.

"MY DEAR HEELTAP,--You know my opinion about horseracing, and though
I blame neither you nor any brother Englishman who enjoys that manly
sport, you will, I am sure, appreciate the conscientious motives
which induce me not to appear among my friends and constituents on