E-text prepared by MRK A PRINCE OF SINNERS by E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM Contents PART I. I. Mr. Kingston Brooks, Political Agent II. The Bullsom Family at Home III. Kingston Brooks has a Visitor IV. A Question for the Country V. The Marquis of Arranmore VI. The Man who went to Hell VII. A Thousand Pounds VIII. Kingston Brooks makes Inquiries IX. Henslow speaks out X. A Tempting Offer XI. Who the Devil is Brooks? XII. Mr. Bullsom gives a Dinner-party XIII. Charity the "Crime" XIV. An Awkward Question XV. A Supper-party at the "Queen's" XVI. Uncle and Niece XVII. Fifteen Years in Hell XVIII. Mary Scott pays an Unexpected Call XIX. The Marquis Mephistopheles XX. The Confidence of Lord Arranmore PART II. I. Lord Arranmore's Amusements II. The Heckling of Henslow III. Mary Scott's Two Visitors IV. A Marquis on Matrimony V. Brooks enlists a Recruit VI. Kingston Brooks, Philanthropist VII. Brooks and his Missions VIII. Mr. Bullsom is Staggered IX. Ghosts X. A New Don Quixote PART III. I. An Aristocratic Recruit II. Mr. Lavilette interferes III. The Singular Behaviour of Mary Scott IV. Lord Arranmore in a New Role V. Lady Sybil lends a Hand VI. The Reservation of Mary Scott VII. Father and Son VIII. The Advice of Mr. Bullsom IX. A Question and an Answer X. Lady Sybil says "Yes" XI. Brooks hears the News XII. The Prince of Sinners speaks out A Prince of Sinners PART I CHAPTER I MR. KINGSTON BROOKS, POLITICAL AGENT Already the sweepers were busy in the deserted hall, and the lights burned low. Of the great audience who had filled the place only half-an-hour ago not one remained. The echoes of their tumultuous cheering seemed still to linger amongst the rafters, the dust which their feet had raised hung about in a little cloud. But the long rows of benches were empty, the sweepers moved ghostlike amongst the shadows, and an old woman was throwing tealeaves here and there about the platform. In the committee-room behind a little group of men were busy with their leave-takings. The candidate, a tall, somewhat burly man, with hard, shrewd face and loosely knit figure, was shaking hands with every one. His tone and manner savoured still of the rostrum.