High authorities are now never silent; when Parliament closes they still continue to address the public, and generally upon more or less stirring questions of the time.
In those addresses, delivered by the very leaders of his own party, Marthorne found the material, and caught from their diligent perusal the spirit in which to use it.

In this way, without uttering a single original idea of his own, and with very little originality of expression, the young orator succeeded perfectly in his aim.

First, he became recognised as a speaker, and, therefore, extremely useful; secondly, he was recognised as one of the soundest exponents of politics in the county.

Marthorne was not only clever, but 'safe.' His repute for the latter quality was of even more service to him than for talent; to be 'safe' in such things is a very great recommendation.

Personal reputation is of slow growth, but it does grow.