No one has sprung up since like him,--or hardly
second to him. But in speaking on so large a subject as the policy
of a party, I thought it beneath me to eulogise a man. The same
policy reversed may keep you silent respecting Sir Timothy.'
'I needn't of course say what I think about him.'
'I suppose you do agree with Sir Timothy as to his general policy?
On no other condition can you undertake such a duty.'
'Of course I have voted with him.'
'So I have observed,--not so regularly perhaps as Mr Roby would
have desired.' Mr Roby was the Conservative whip.
'And I suppose the people at Silverbridge expect me to support
him.'
'I hardly know how that may be. They used to be contented with
more poor services. No doubt they feel they have changed for the
better.'
'You shouldn't say that, sir.'
'I am bound to suppose that they think so, because when the matter
was left in their own hands they at once elected a Conservative.
You need not fear that you will offend them by seconding the
address. They will probably feel proud to see their young member
brought forward on such an occasion; as I shall be proud to see my
son.
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