An idea came to the young nobleman that if it should be his fate to represent Silverbridge in Parliament for the next twenty years, it would be well that Silverbridge should entertain respecting him some exalted estimation,--that Silverbridge should be taught to regard him as a fit son of his father and a worthy specimen of the British political nobility.

Struck by serious reflections of this nature he did open his mind to Tregear.

"I am very fond of Tifto," he said, "but I don't know whether he's just the sort of fellow to take down to an election." "I should think not," said Tregear very decidedly.
"He's a very good fellow, you know," said Silverbridge.

"I don't know an honester man than Tifto anywhere." "I dare say.

Or rather, I don't dare say.