By George, if he married that girl, he would pay his penalty to the
utmost!
Lankester leaned out of window again, his eyes sweeping the dreary park.
In reality they had before them Marsham's aspect at the declaration of
the poll--head and face thrown back defiantly, hollow eyes of bitterness
and fatigue; and the scene outside--in front, a booing crowd--and beside
the new member, Alicia's angry and insolent look.
The election represented a set-back in a man's career, in spite of the
bare victory. And Lankester did not think it would be retrieved. With a
prophetic insight which seldom failed him, he saw that Marsham's chapter
of success was closed. He might get some small office out of the
Government. Nevertheless, the scale of life had dropped--on the wrong
side. Through Lankester's thought there shot a pang of sympathy. Defeat
was always more winning to him than triumph.
* * * * *
Meanwhile the new member himself was in no melting mood.
Forbes was right. Marsham, in his room, looking over the letters which
his servant had brought him, was only conscious of two feelings--disgust
and loathing with regard to the contest just over, and a dogged
determination with regard to the future.
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