the policy of a
party, I thought it beneath me to eulogise a man. The same policy
reversed may keep you silent respecting Sir Timothy."

"I needn't of course say what I think about him."

"I suppose you do agree with Sir Timothy as to his general policy? On
no other condition can you undertake such a duty."

"Of course I have voted with him."

"So I have observed,--not so regularly perhaps as Mr. Roby would have
desired." Mr. Roby was the Conservative whip.

"And I suppose the people at Silverbridge expect me to support him."

"I hardly know how that may be. They used to be contented with my
poor services. No doubt they feel they have changed for the better."

"You shouldn't say that, sir."

"I am bound to suppose that they think so, because when the matter
was left in their own hands they at once elected a Conservative. You
need not fear that you will offend them by seconding the address.
They will probably feel proud to see their young member brought
forward on such an occasion; as I shall be proud to see my son."

"You would if it were on the other side, sir."

"Yes, Silverbridge, yes; I should be very proud if it were on the
other side. But there is a useful old adage which bids us not cry
for spilt milk. You have a right to your opinions, though perhaps I
may think that in adopting what I must call new opinions you were a
little precipitate. We cannot act together in politics. But not the
less on that account do I wish to see you take an active and useful
part on that side to which you have attached yourself." As he said
this he rose from his seat and spoke with emphasis, as though he
were addressing some imaginary Speaker or a house of legislators
around. "I shall be proud to hear you second the address. If you
do it as gracefully and as fitly as I am sure you may if you will
give yourself the trouble, I shall hear you do it with infinite
satisfaction, even though I shall feel at the same time anxious to
answer all your arguments and to disprove all your assertions. I
should be listening no doubt to my opponent;--but I should be proud
to feel that I was listening to my son. My advice to you is to do as
Sir Timothy has asked you."

"He is such a beast, sir," said Silverbridge.

"Pray do not speak in that way on matters so serious."

"I do not think you quite understand it, sir."

"Perhaps not. Can you enlighten me?"

"I believe he has done this only to annoy you."

The Duke, who had again seated