trouble and fuss of preparation.
    There were so many small reasons that went to make up the large one which
had convinced Mr. Bradshaw of the desirableness of this step, that it was not
likely that Ruth should guess at one-half of them. In the first place, Miss
Benson, in the pride and fulness of her heart, had told Mrs. Bradshaw what her
brother had told her; how he meant to preach upon the Christian view of the
duties involved in political rights; and as, of course, Mrs. Bradshaw had told
Mr. Bradshaw, he began to dislike the idea of attending chapel on that Sunday at
all; for he had an uncomfortable idea that by the Christian standard - that
divine test of the true and pure - bribery would not be altogether approved of;
and yet he was tacitly coming round to the understanding that packets would be
required, for what purpose both he and Mr. Donne were to be supposed to remain
ignorant. But it would be very awkward, so near to the time, if he were to be
clearly convinced that bribery, however disguised by names and words, was in
plain terms a sin. And yet he knew Mr. Benson had once or twice convinced him
against his will of certain things, which he had thenceforward found it
impossible to do, without such great uneasiness of mind, that he had left off
doing them, which was sadly against his interest. And if Mr. Donne (whom he had
intended to take with him to chapel, as fair Dissenting prey) should also become
convinced, why, the Cranworths would win the day, and he should be the
laughing-stock of Eccleston. No! in this one case bribery must be allowed - was
allowable; but it was a great pity human nature was so corrupt, and if his
member succeeded, he would double his subscription to the schools, in order that
the next generation might be taught better. There were various other reasons,
which strengthened Mr. Bradshaw in the bright idea of going down to Abermouth
for the Sunday; some connected with the out-of-door politics, and some with the
domestic. For instance, it had been the plan of the house to have a cold dinner
on the Sundays - Mr. Bradshaw had piqued himself on this strictness - and yet he
had an instinctive feeling that Mr. Donne was not quite the man to partake of
cold meat for conscience' sake with cheerful indifference to his fare.
    Mr. Donne had, in fact, taken the Bradshaw household a little by surprise.
Before he came, Mr