We are so few and they are so many, that we shall have quite enough to do." Then the Duke gave his son a somewhat lengthy political lecture, which was intended to teach him that the greatest benefit of the greatest number was the object to which all political studies should tend.

The son listened to it with attention, and when it was over, expressed his opinion that there was a great deal in what his father had said.

"I trust, if you will consider it," said the Duke, "that you will not find yourself obliged to desert the school of politics in which your father has not been an inactive supporter, and to which your family has belonged for many generations." "I could not call myself a Liberal," said the young politician.
"Why not ?" "Because I am a Conservative." "And you won't stand for the county on the Liberal interest ?" "I should be obliged to tell them that I should always give a Conservative vote." "Then you refuse to do what I ask ?" "I do not know how I can help refusing.

If you wanted me to grow a couple of inches taller I couldn't do it, even though I should be ever so anxious to oblige you." "But a very young man, as you are, may have so much deference for his elders as to be induced to believe that he has been in error." "Oh yes; of course." "You cannot but be aware that the political condition of the country is the one subject to which I have devoted the labour of my life." "I know that very well; and, of course, I know how much they all think of you." "Then my opinion might go for something with you ?" "So it does, sir; I shouldn't have doubted at all only for that little.

Still, you see, as the thing is,--how am I to help myself ?" "You believe that you must be right,--you, who have never given an hour's study to the subject!" "No, sir.