not some money or some merit. But it was of use to a man to be a cousin
of the House of Vipont, though without any money, without any merit at
all. It was of use to be part and parcel of a British institution; it
was of use to have a legitimate indefeasible right to share in the
administration and patronage of an empire, on which (to use a novel
illustration) "the sun never sets." You might want nothing for yourself;
the Colonel and the Marquess equally wanted nothing for themselves but
man is not to be a selfish egotist! Man has cousins: his cousins may
want something. Demosthenes denounces, in words that inflame every manly
breast, the ancient Greek who does not love his POLIS or State, even
though he take nothing from it but barren honour, and contribute towards
it--a great many disagreeable taxes. As the POLIS to the Greek, was the
House of Vipont to Alban Vipont Morley. It was the most beautiful,
touching affection imaginable! Whenever the House was in difficulties,
whenever it was threatened by a CRISIS, the Colonel was by its side,
sparing no pains, neglecting no means, to get the Ark of the Constitution
back into smooth water. That duty done, he retired again into private
life, and scorned all other reward than the still whisper of applauding
conscience.

"Yes," said Alban Morley, whose voice, though low and subdued in tone,
was extremely distinct, with a perfect enunciation. "Yes, it is quite
true, my nephew has taken orders,--his defect in speech, if not quite
removed, has ceased to be any obstacle, even to eloquence; an occasional
stammer may be effective,--it increases interest, and when the right word
comes, there is the charm of surprise in it. I do not doubt that George
will be a very distinguished clergyman."

MR. CARR VIPONT.--"We want one; the House wants a very distinguished
clergyman: we have none at this moment,--not a bishop, not even a dean!