But when a man has
once been in office,--why then--"
"When he has taken the shilling?" said Phineas. "Just so. I confess I
do not like a deserter."
"Phineas will be all right," said Barrington Erle.
"I hope so," said Mr. Ratler, as he passed on.
"Ratler and I run very much in the same groove," said Barrington,
"but I fancy there is some little difference in the motive power."
"Ratler wants place."
"And so do I."
"He wants it just as most men want professional success," said
Phineas. "But if I understand your object, it is chiefly the
maintenance of the old-established political power of the Whigs. You
believe in families?"
"I do believe in the patriotism of certain families. I believe that
the Mildmays, FitzHowards, and Pallisers have for some centuries
brought up their children to regard the well-being of their country
as their highest personal interest, and that such teaching has been
generally efficacious. Of course, there have been failures. Every
child won't learn its lesson however well it may be taught.
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