'
'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.
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. Perhaps it is because I know that, that I am a Conservative.
The Radicals are always saying that a Conservative must be a fool.
Then a fool ought to be a Conservative.'
Hereupon the father got up from his chair and turned round, facing
the fire, with his back to his son. He was becoming very angry,
but endeavoured to restrain his anger. The matter in dispute
between them was of so great importance, that he could hardly be
justified in abandoning it in consequence of arguments so trifling
in themselves as these which his son adduced.
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