Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/115

 served us very effectually for a number of centuries, and although doubtless the peers have made mistakes, it is also true that upon occasion they gauged the popular will with more accuracy than Mr. Gladstone himself. As long as I am manager of Selwyn's Bank, I'm against any tinkering with the Constitution. All such meddling is bad for business. I'm a banker first, and a politician a long way to the rear."

I quite agree with you, Alexander," remarked Sir George, solemnly.

Stranleigh looked from one to the other in perplexity.

"The trouble with this club," he protested, "is that its members are all of one opinion, therefore an ignorant man like myself cannot learn the other side to any question."

"My dear Stranleigh," said Corbitt, "you've been having both sides of radium, I understand."

"And of banking," added Sir George, nodding at the manager.

"My own theory," continued Corbitt, "is that there are never two sides to a question. There can't be; although a lot of fools pose as fair-minded people, and pretend to be impartial when they're merely insane. To every question there is but