“That is my own feeling,” said Mr. Whitwell. “But for this I should certainly have declined, for I have no wish whatever to enter Parliament; but I think in the present crisis every man should put his patriotism before his own wishes or convenience.” “And in your case there can be no doubt of victory.” “I am not sure. I believe it will certainly be a hard fight.” “I hope every man will vote. There ought to be a law to compel him to do so,” said Dr. Stapleton. “What!” cried his brother, “do you want to still further curtail the liberty of the subject?” “I believe,” said Mr. Whitwell, “that Arthur Knight will have done a great deal to bring about a better state of things in England. Have you heard him speak, Mr. Stapleton?” “Yes; several times. He is a man of marvellous power and eloquence. What he says goes directly to the hearts of his hearers. His personality is so vivid, and his words and gestures are so telling, that it is difficult to resist him. He sways an audience as few have been able to do. I am sorry he is not at Craighelbyl.” “I should think he will probably be there during your visit,” said Tom—and then she stopped, as if confused. “But he is quite on the other side of the country,” objected her father. “Yes? But the country is not a very broad one, and Mr. Knight is a good traveller. I am sure he would wish to see you, Dr. Stapleton, and would return, if possible, in time to do the honours of his own place.” Mr. Whitwell shook his head. “He is engaged just now on grave business,” he said. “I suppose we are to have another eloquent man in our midst directly—the young clergyman from Canada?” “Macdonald? Yes; I understand that he will rival Knight. It is another case of Wesley and Whitfield. Only Macdonald is a very staunch Churchman, and speaks in the interests of the English Church.” “What a good thing it is that the Church will hear him!” remarked the doctor. “Dr. Stapleton, I wish you could persuade my friend, Margaret Miller, to accompany us to Craighelbyl,” said Tom. “I could not urge her to do so now, for, although she does not yet know it, I am afraid that her grandfather is ill.” “Mr. Harris ill!” “He is not well, certainly, and I am rather anxious about him. I want him to consult a specialist.” “It would be a sad thing for us all if Mr. Harris were ill. We could not spare him just now.” “I hope I may be mistaken. He is a fine man, and my best friend,” said the doctor. “Felix, my time is up. I shall call for you, Miss Tom, at nine o’clock on Monday morning. Our train leaves Euston at eleven.”