one's independence,--and I very often do
boast of mine to myself,--one is inclined to do more for a Duke of
Omnium than for a Mr. Jones."

"The Dukes have more to offer than the Joneses;--I don't mean in the
way of wealth only, but of what one enjoys most in society
generally."

"I suppose they have. At any rate, I am glad that you should make
some excuse for me. But I do like the man. He is gracious and noble
in his bearing. He is now very old, and sinking fast into the grave;
but even the wreck is noble."

"I don't know that he ever did much," said Phineas.

"I don't know that he ever did anything according to your idea of
doing. There must be some men who do nothing."

"But a man with his wealth and rank has opportunities so great! Look
at his nephew!"

"No doubt Mr. Palliser is a great man. He never has a moment to speak
to his wife or to anybody else; and is always thinking so much about
the country that I doubt if he knows anything about his own affairs.
Of course he is a man of a different stamp,--and of a higher stamp,
if you will. But I have an idea that such characters as those of the
present Duke are necessary to the maintenance of a great aristocracy.
He has had the power of making the world believe in him simply
because he has been rich and a duke. His nephew, when he comes to the
title, will never receive a tithe of the respect that has been paid
to this old faineant."

"But he will achieve much more than ten times the reputation," said
Phineas.

"I won't compare them, nor will I argue; but I like the Duke. Nay;--I
love him. During the last two years I have allowed the whole fashion
of my life to be remodelled by this intimacy. You knew what were my
habits. I have only been in Vienna for one week since I last saw you,
and I have spent months and months at Matching."

"What do you do there?"

"Read to him;--talk to him;--give him his food, and do all that in
me lies to make his life bearable. Last year, when it was thought
necessary that very distinguished people should be entertained at the
great family castle,--in Barsetshire, you know--"

"I have heard of the place."

"A regular treaty or agreement was drawn up. Conditions were sealed
and signed. One condition was that both Lady Glencora and I should be
there. We put our heads together to try to avoid this; as, of course,
the Prince would not want to see me particularly,--and it was
altogether so grand an affair that things had to be wei