‘For what purpose: public or private?’
‘Why, Mr. Wentworth, how can you ask? I am a Liberal.’
‘And, then, are all Liberals public spirited, and not averse to feathering their own nest when they have a chance?’
‘Well, you know,’ replied the Baronet, ‘our party always aim at the public good.’
‘Yes; but professions and practice don’t always harmonize. Sometimes private interest draws one way, and public duty points another.’
Sir Watkin coloured. He had consented to fight Sloville in the Liberal interest, but he had made a bargain on the subject with his party, and Wentworth’s casual remark had gone home.
Wentworth continued:
‘In what way can I help you, Sir Watkin?’
‘Mr. Blank tells me that you know something of Sloville.’
‘Very little, indeed. I was there a short while some years ago. That is all. I doubt whether I can do you any good there.’