adicals and
Communists."

"I cannot admit that at all, Silverbridge. There is no great
political party in this country anxious either for Communism or for
revolution. But, putting all that aside for the present, do you think
that a man's political opinions should be held in regard to his own
individual interests, or to the much wider interests of others, whom
we call the public?"

"To his own interest," said the young man with decision.

"It is simply self-protection then?"

"His own and his class. The people will look after themselves, and we
must look after ourselves. 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. In comparison with a great many men, I know that I am a
fool. Perha