they may be free. If you
cannot feel this to be your duty, you should not be there
at all.

And I would have you remember also that the work of a
member of Parliament can seldom be of that brilliant
nature which is of itself charming; and that the young
member should think of such brilliancy as being possible
to him only at a distance. It should be your first care to
sit and listen so that the forms and methods of the House
may as it were soak into you gradually. And then you must
bear in mind that speaking in the House is but a very
small part of a member's work, perhaps that part which
he may lay aside altogether with the least strain on his
conscience. A good member of Parliament will be good
upstairs in the Committee Rooms, good down-stairs to make
and to keep a House, good to vote, for his party if it
may be nothing better, but for the measures also which he
believes to be for the good of his country.

Gradually, if you will give your thoughts to it, and above
all your time, the theory of legislation will sink into
your mind, and you will find that there will come upon you
the ineffable delight of having served your country to the
best of your ability.

It is the only pleasure in life which has been enjoyed
without alloy by your affectionate father,

OMNIUM.

The Duke in writing this letter was able for a few moments to forget
Mrs. Finn, and to enjoy the work which he had on hand.

CHAPTER XVI

"Poor Boy"

The new member for Silverbridge, when he entered the House to take
the oath, was supported on the right and left by two staunch old
Tories. Mr. Monk had seen him a few minutes previously,--Mr. Monk who
of all Liberals was the firmest and than whom no one had been more
staunch to the Duke,--and had congratulated him on his election,
expressing at the same time some gentle regrets. "I only wish you
could have come among us on the other side," he said.

"But I couldn't," said the young Lord.

"I am sure nothing but a conscientious feeling would have separated
you from your father's friends," said the old Liberal. And then they
were parted, and the member for Silverbridge was bustled up to the
table between two staunch Tories.

Of what else was done on that occasion nothing shall be said here. No
political work was required from him, except that of helping for an
hour or two to crowd the Government benches. But we w