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<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Middleton, by Anthony Eliot</title>
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<h1>MIDDLETON</h1>
<h2>by Anthony Eliot</h2>
<h2>TABLE OF CONTENTS</h2>
<p>I. The Roots of the Enmity
II. An Unhappy Meeting
III. Middleton's Resolve
IV. The Election</p>
<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
<h2>MIDDLETON'S RESOLVE</h2>
<p>"I shall go down to Wokingham", said Middleton, "a few days
before the election, and the Major will stay here. I
understand that there will be no other candidate, and _I_
shall take the seat.</p>
<p>"The Major is a . . . _flaneur_. He has no interest beyond
his own advancement. I can buy him for a hundred pounds.
_Here_ is his answer."</p>
<p>Wallace wondered at the _hubris_ of his friend, and
examined the note Middleton thrust upon him.</p>
<p>"Sir,
No consideration would induce me to
change my resolve in this matter, but I am
willing to engage your services as my agent
for a fee of 100 pounds.
H. Middleton"</p>
<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
<h2>THE ELECTION</h2>
<p>Now hatred is by far the longest pleasure;
Men love in haste, but they detest at leisure.
---- BYRON</p>
<p>On hearing of Middleton's visit, Mr. Wentworth began his
preparations. Meeting with Thomas Lake and Riley at the
back of the tap-room of The Bull & Gate--where the landlord
saw to it that they remained undisturbed--he laid out their
plan of campaign.</p>
<p>"That d---l Middleton shall not have the seat," he raved,
"not for Lord H------; no, nor for a hundred Lords! We
shall see to it that every man's hand is turned against
him when he arrives."</p>
<p>Lake unfolded a paper from his vest-pocket and smoothed it
on the table. "Here are the expenses we should undertake."
Doran L13 10s.
Titwell L 8 7s. 6d.
St. Charles L25</p>
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