His father, looking to certain morsels of Church patronage which occasionally came in his way, and to the fact that he and the bishop were on most friendly terms, had wished his son to take orders.

But Frank had known himself and his own qualities too well to follow his father's advice.

He had chosen to be a barrister, and now, at thirty, he was in Parliament.
He had been asked to stand for Bobsborough in the Conservative interest, and as a Conservative he had been returned.

Those who invited him knew probably but little of his own political beliefs or feelings,--did not, probably, know whether he had any.

His father was a fine old Tory of the ancient school, who thought that things were going from bad to worse, but was able to live happily in spite of his anticipations.