ite aware that old family and long pedigrees are of no use to a man if
he has not some money or some merit. But it was of use to a man to be
a cousin of the House of Vipont, though without any money, without
any merit at all. It was of use to be part and parcel of a British
institution; it was of use to have a legitimate indefeasible right to
share in the administration and patronage of an empire, on which (to use
a novel illustration) "the sun never sets." You might want nothing
for yourself; the Colonel and the Marquess equally wanted nothing for
themselves but man is not to be a selfish egotist! Man has cousins: his
cousins may want something. Demosthenes denounces, in words that inflame
every manly breast, the ancient Greek who does not love his POLIS
or State, even though he take nothing from it but barren honour, and
contribute towards it--a great many disagreeable taxes. As the POLIS to
the Greek, was the House of Vipont to Alban Vipont Morley. It was the
most beautiful, touching affection imaginable! Whenever the House was in
difficulties, whenever it was threatened by a CRISIS, the Colonel was by
its side, sparing no pains, neglecting no means, to get the Ark of the
Constitution back into smooth water. That duty done, he retired again
into private life, and scorned all other reward than the still whisper
of applauding conscience.

"Yes," said Alban Morley, whose voice, though low and subdued in tone,
was extremely distinct, with a perfect enunciation. "Yes, it is quite
true, my nephew has taken orders,--his defect in speech, if not quite
removed, has ceased to be any obstacle, even to eloquence; an occasional
stammer may be effective,--it increases interest, and when the right
word comes, there is the charm of surprise in it. I do not doubt that
George will be a very distinguished clergyman."

MR. CARR VIPONT.--"We want one; the House wants a very distinguished
clergyman: we have none at this moment,--not a bishop, not even a dean!
all mere parish parsons, and among them not one we could push. Very odd,
with more than forty livings too. But the Viponts seldom take to the
Church kindly: George must be pushed. The more I think of it, the more
we want a bishop: a bishop would be useful in the present CRISIS."
(Looking round the rooms proudly, and softening his voice), "A numerous
gathering, Morley! This demonstration will strike terror in Downing
Street, eh! The old House stands firm,--never was a family so united