'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 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 years.'

'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.'