“If I don’t do as they do,” thought he, “I shall be quite unfashionable. Russell may say what he pleases, but it is necessary to yield to one’s companions in trifles.
‘Whoever would be pleased and please,
Must do what others do with ease.’”
This couplet, which had been repeated to him by Wharton, recurred to him continually; and thus Wharton, by slight means, in which he seemed to have no interest or design, prepared Vivian for his purposes, by working gradually on the easiness of his disposition. He always argued, that it could not possibly signify what he did with an hour or two of his day, till at last Vivian found that he had no hours of his own, that his whole time was at the disposal of others; and now that he really wanted leisure to consider an important question,—when his credit, as a member of the senate, and as a man just entering political life, depended on this decision,—he literally could not command time to read over the necessary documents. So the appointed day arrived before Vivian’s opinion was formed; and, from mere want of time to decide for himself, he voted as Wharton desired. Another and another political question came on; the same causes operated, and the same consequences ensued. Wharton managed with great address, so as to prevent him from feeling that he gave up his freewill. Before Vivian was aware of it, whilst he thought that he was perfectly independent of all parties, public opinion had enrolled him amongst Wharton’s partisans. Of this Russell was the first to give him warning. Russell heard of it amongst the political leaders who met at Lord Glistonbury’s dinners; and, knowing the danger there is of a young man’s committing himself on certain points, he, with the eagerness of a true friend, wrote immediately to put Vivian upon his guard:—
“My Dear Vivian,
“I am just going into the country with Lord Lidhurst, and perhaps may not return for some time. I cannot leave you without putting you on your guard, once more, against Mr. Wharton. I understand that you are thought to be one of his party, and that he countenances the report. Take care that you are not bound hand and foot, before you know where you are.
“Your sincere friend,
“H. Russell.”
With the natural frankness of his disposition, Vivian immediately spoke to Wharton upon the subject.
“What! people say that you are one of my party, do they?” said Wharton: “I never heard this before, but I am heartily glad to hear it. You are in for it now, Vivian: you are one of us; and with us you must stand or fall.”
“Excuse me there!” cried Vivian; “I am not of any party; and am determined to keep myself independent.”