Scene + 

VI + 

Byeways’ lodgings. Byeways alone, writing. + 

Enter Turnstile. + 

Turnstile + 

My dear Byeways; I want your assistance. Deserted by those shabby dogs the Radicals, and tricked, I fear, by the Whigs, I find I have no chance of a decent show of numbers at the next election, if my scientific friends do not support me with spirit. Even so, it can be only an honourable retreat. I count upon you⁠—you understand the world;⁠—and as soon as we can muster a committee, you must be my chairman. + 

Byeways + 

My good friend, don’t be in a hurry; sit down and tell me all about it. I know you don’t care much about your seat⁠—and after all⁠—it is⁠—to you, a waste of time;⁠—but, with the Independents at your back, you are secure. As to me, my dear fellow, you know that I am⁠— + 

Turnstile + 

But man! the Independents, as you call them, have taken up Highway; he blusters, and goes any length. + 

Byeways + 

But Smooth, you know, is strong in Shoreditch⁠—Government interest⁠—you brought him in last time; and you and he, together⁠— + 

Turnstile + 

I know it; but he says he is not strong enough to run any risk. If you will be my chairman, with a good committee, we may at least die game. + 

Byeways + 

My dear Turnstile, you know how glad I always am to serve you⁠—and you know what I think;⁠—but in my situation, my dear fellow, it is quite impossible that I can oppose the ministers. MacLeech too, they say, is a candidate; and his brother-in-law’s uncle was very civil, last year, in Scotland, to my wife’s cousin.⁠—But I have a plan for you. There is Atall, just come to town; make him your chief, and bring the Cambridge men together. The clergy were always strong in Shoreditch. Atall can speak to them.⁠—I am obliged to go to the War Office.⁠—And you had better lose no time in seeing Atall. Sorry to bid you goodbye. Exit. + 

Turnstile + 

Well, this is strange! yet I thought I might have counted upon Byeways. + 

Exit. + 