"Mr.Wharton has explained himself very fully, I think," he said, turning to the others.

"We shall miss him at dinner--but this matter seems to be one of life and death.

And we mustn't forget anyway that Mr.Wharton is fulfilling this engagement at great inconvenience to himself.

We none of us knew when we elected him last year that he would have to be fighting his election at the same time.

Next Saturday, isn't it ?" Bennett rose as he spoke and carefully buttoned his coat.