The barouche stopped at the door of a magnificent inn, and the party was welcomed with some scores of bows from the whole _corps d’hôtel_, with the fat landlady in the van, and Boots in the rear. They were shown into a splendid apartment, a glorious fire was kindled in a minute, and while Mr. Hippy looked over the bill of fare, and followed mine hostess to inspect the state of the larder, Sir Telegraph proceeded to _peel_, and emerged from his four _benjamins_, like a butterfly from its chrysalis. After dinner they formed, as usual, a semicircle round the fire, with the table in front supported by Mr. Hippy and Sir Telegraph Paxarett. ‘Now this,’ said Sir Telegraph, rubbing his hands, ‘is what I call devilish comfortable after a cold day’s drive—an excellent inn, a superb fire, charming company, and better wine than has fallen to our lot since we left Melincourt Castle.’ The waiter had picked up from the conversation at dinner that one of the destined members for Onevote was in the company; and communicated this intelligence to Mr. Sarcastic, who was taking his solitary bottle in another apartment. Mr. Sarcastic sent his compliments to Sir Oran Haut-ton, and hoped he would allow his future colleague the honour of being admitted to join his party. Mr. Hippy, Mr. Forester, and Sir Telegraph, undertook to answer for Sir Oran, who was silent on the occasion: Mr. Sarcastic was introduced, and took his seat in the semicircle. _Sir Telegraph Paxarett._ Your future colleague, Mr. Sarcastic, is _a man of few words_; but he will join in a bumper to your better acquaintance. (_The collision of glasses ensued between Sir Oran and Mr. Sarcastic._) _Mr. Sarcastic._ I am proud of the opportunity of this introduction. The day after to-morrow is fixed for the election. I have made some preparations to give a little _éclat_ to the affair, and have begun by intoxicating half the city of Novote, so that we shall have a great crowd at the scene of election, whom I intend to harangue from the hustings, on the great benefits and blessings of virtual representation. _Mr. Forester._ I shall, perhaps, take the opportunity of addressing them also, but with a different view of the subject. _Mr. Sarcastic._ Perhaps our views of the subject are not radically different, and the variety is in the mode of treatment. In my ordinary intercourse with the world I reduce practice to theory; it is a habit, I believe, peculiar to myself, and a source of inexhaustible amusement. _Sir Telegraph Paxarett._ Fill and explain.