The propriety of earning his bread had never been put before him.

His father had been in Parliament, and had been the most favoured son of the old Duke, who for some years before his death had never spoken to him who now reigned over the house of the Pallisers.

Jeffrey's father had been brought up at Matching Priory as scions of ducal houses are brought up, and on the old man's death had been possessed of means sufficient to go on in the same path, though with difficulty.

His brother had done something for him, and at various times he had held some place near the throne.

But on his death, when the property left behind him was divided between his son and three daughters, Jeffrey Palliser became possessed of the income above stated.