And, moreover, I believe
and still believe that you intended the reproduction. Believe
me, Yours faithfully, ERNEST BARRINGTON."
To this Marsham returned a stiff answer, giving his own account of what
had taken place, and regretting that even a keen journalist should have
thought it consistent with his honor to make such injurious and unfair
use of "my honest attempt to play the peacemaker" between the different
factions of the party.
To this letter Barrington made no reply. Marsham, sore and weary, yet
strung by now to an obstinacy and a fighting passion which gave a new
and remarkable energy to his personality, threw himself fresh into a
hopeless battle. For a time, indeed, the tide appeared to turn. He had
been through two Parliaments a popular and successful member; less
popular, no doubt, in the second than in the first, as the selfish and
bitter strains in his character became more apparent. Still he had
always commanded a strong personal following, especially among the
younger men of the towns and villages, who admired his lithe and
handsome presence, and appreciated his reputation as a sportsman and
volunteer.
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