et as President of the Council.
He was perhaps a little fidgety, a little too anxious to employ
himself and to be employed, a little too desirous of immediate
work;--but still he was happy and gracious to those around him. "I
suppose you like that particular office," Silverbridge said to him.

"Well; yes;--not best of all, you know," and he smiled as he made
this admission.

"You mean Prime Minister?"

"No, indeed I don't. I am inclined to think that the Premier should
always sit in your House. No, Silverbridge. If I could have my
way,--which is of course impossible, for I cannot put off my
honours,--I would return to my old place. I would return to the
Exchequer where the work is hard and certain, where a man can do,
or at any rate attempt to do, some special thing. A man there if he
sticks to that and does not travel beyond it, need not be popular,
need not be a partisan, need not be eloquent, need not be a courtier.
He should understand his profession, as should a lawyer or a doctor.
If he does that thoroughly he can serve his country without recourse
to that parliamentary strategy for which I know that I am unfit."

"You can't do that in the House of Lords, sir."

"No; no. I wish the title could have passed over my head,
Silverbridge, and gone to you at once. I think we both should have
been suited better. But there are things which one should not
consider. Even in this place I may perhaps do something. Shall you
attack us very bitterly?"

"I am the only man who does not mean to make any change."

"How so?"

"I shall stay where I am,--on the Government side of the House."

"Are you clear about that, my boy?"

"Quite clear."

"Such changes should not be made without very much consideration."

"I have already written to them at Silverbridge and have had three
or four answers. Mr. De Boung says that the borough is more than
grateful. Mr. Sprout regrets it much, and suggests a few months'
consideration. Mr. Sprugeon seems to think it does not signify."

"That is hardly complimentary."

"No,--not to me. But he is very civil to the family. As long as a
Palliser represents the borough, Mr. Sprugeon thinks that it does not
matter much on which side he may sit. I have had my little vagary,
and I don't think that I shall change again."

"I suppose it is your republican bride-elect that has done that,"
said the Duke, laughing.

CHAPTER LXXIX

The First Wedding

As Easter Sunday fell on the 17th