He had been deserted by the
moderates--by the Ferrierites--in spite of all his endeavors to keep
within courteous and judicial bounds; and he had been all but sacrificed
to a forbearance which had not saved him apparently a single moderate
vote, and had lost him scores on the advanced side.
With regard to Ferrier personally, he was extremely sore, A letter from
him during the preceding week would certainly have influenced votes.
Marsham denied hotly that his speeches had been of a character to offend
or injure his old friend and leader. A man must really be allowed some
honest latitude of opinion, even under party government!--and in
circumstances of personal obligation. He had had to steer a most
difficult course. But why must he give up his principles--not to speak
of his chances of political advancement--because John Ferrier had
originally procured him his seat in Parliament, and had been his
parents' intimate friend for many years? Let the Whig deserters answer
that question, if they could!
His whole being was tingling with anger and resentment. The contest had
steeped him in humiliations which stuck to him like mud-stains.
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