"The Marquis is as nearly off the hooks as a man can be." Mr. Scruby, as he communicated the tidings, showed clearly by his face and voice that they were supposed to be of very great importance; but Vavasor did not at first seem to be as much interested in the fate of "the Marquis" as Scruby had intended.
"I'm very sorry for him," said George. "Who is the Marquis? There'll be sure to come another, so it don't much signify."
"There will come another, and that's just it. It's the Marquis of Bunratty; and if he drops, our young Member will go into the Upper House."
"What, immediately; before the end of the Session?" George, of course, knew well enough that such would be the case, but the effect which this event would have upon himself now struck him suddenly.

"The Marquis is as nearly dead as a man can be," said Mr. Scruby, as if the matter were of very great importance.
"I'm very sorry for him," said George. "Who is the Marquis?"
"It's the Marquis of Bunratty; and if he drops, our young Member will go into the House of Lords."
"What, immediately?" George now realised that there would be a by-election, sooner than expected.
