I never knew a man break away in this fashion, and not
feel afterwards that he had done it all for nothing."
"But what is a man to do, Barrington? He can't smother his
convictions."
"Convictions! There is nothing on earth that I'm so much afraid of in
a young member of Parliament as convictions. There are ever so many
rocks against which men get broken. One man can't keep his temper.
Another can't hold his tongue. A third can't say a word unless he has
been priming himself half a session. A fourth is always thinking of
himself, and wanting more than he can get. A fifth is idle, and won't
be there when he's wanted. A sixth is always in the way. A seventh
lies so that you never can trust him. I've had to do with them all,
but a fellow with convictions is the worst of all."
"I don't see how a fellow is to help himself," said Phineas. "When a
fellow begins to meddle with politics they will come."
"Why can't you grow into them gradually as your betters and elders
have done before you? It ought to be enough for any man, when he
begins, to know that he's a Liberal. He understands which side of the
House he's to vote, and who is to lead him. What's the meaning of
having a leader to a party, if it's not that? Do you think that you
and Mr.
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