"As far as I can see, sir, we who call ourselves lords generally are drones."
"I deny it," said the Earl, becoming quite energetic as he defended his order. "I deny it utterly. I know no class of men who do work more useful or more honest. Am I a drone? Have I been so from my youth upwards? I have always worked, either in the one House or in the other, and those of my fellows with whom I have been most intimate have worked also. The same career is open to you."
"You mean politics?"
"Of course I mean politics."
"I don't care for politics. I see no difference in parties."
"But you should care for politics, and you should see a difference in parties. It is your duty to do so. My wish is that you should go into Parliament."
"I can't do that, sir."
"And why not?"
"In the first place, sir, you have not got a seat to offer me. You have managed matters among you in such a way that poor little Loughton has been swallowed up. If I were to canvass the electors of Smotherem, I don't think that many would look very sweet on me."
"There is the county, Oswald."