"And you won't stand for the county on the Liberal interest?"
"I should be obliged to tell them that I should always give a Conservative vote."
"Then you refuse to do what I ask?"
"I do not know how I can help refusing. If you wanted me to grow a couple of inches taller I couldn't do it, even though I should be ever so anxious to oblige you."
"But a very young man, as you are, may have so much deference for his elders as to be induced to believe that he has been in error."
"Oh yes; of course."
"You cannot but be aware that the political condition of the country is the one subject to which I have devoted the labour of my life."
"I know that very well; and, of course, I know how much they all think of you."
"Then my opinion might go for something with you?"
"So it does, sir; I shouldn't have doubted at all only for that little. Still, you see, as the thing is,—how am I to help myself?"