Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/114

 the House of Peers, does more harm than good. The best plan for one in your lordship's position is to keep quiet. You have the consolation of knowing that the greatest Liberal statesman of the last century, the Right Honourable W. E. Gladstone, made no impression on the House of Lords, so I should say that this job lot of politicians is not likely to succeed where he failed."

"Oh, you mistake my point of view entirely, Sir George," replied Stranleigh, rising in his eagerness, and pacing up and down before him. "I favour the abolition of the House of Lords."

"What!" roared Corbitt in amazement.

Old Sir George held his hand open behind his ear.

"I suspect, my lord, that age is interfering with my hearing. Would you mind repeating that sentence?"

"I favour the destruction of the House of Lords as a branch of legislation."

For a few moments there was silence, then it was Corbitt who spoke.

"I must confess," he said, "that I view politics entirely from a banker's standpoint. I think as a banker, and I vote as a banker. I am opposed to turmoil and change. The House of Lords has