'At just a table here and there,' suggested his friend.
'No;--it is not that. You can keep your house free from him, and so can I mine. But we set no example to the nation at large. They who do set the example go to his feasts, and of course he is seen at theirs in return. And yet these leaders of the fashion know,--at any rate they believe,--that he is what he is because he has been a swindler greater than other swindlers. What follows as a natural consequence? Men reconcile themselves to swindling. Though they themselves mean to be honest, dishonesty of itself is no longer odious to them. Then there comes the jealousy that others should be growing rich with the approval of all the world,--and the natural aptitude to do what all the world approves. It seems to me that the existence of a Melmotte is not compatible with a wholesome state of things in general.'
Roger dined with the Bishop of Elmham that evening, and the same hero was discussed under a different heading. 'He has given £200,' said the Bishop, 'to the Curates' Aid Society. I don't know that a man could spend his money much better than that.'
'Clap-trap!' said Roger, who in his present mood was very bitter.
'The money is not clap-trap, my friend. I presume that the money is really paid.'
'I don't feel at all sure of that.'
'Our collectors for clerical charities are usually stern men,--very ready to make known defalcations on the part of promising subscribers. I think they would take care to get the money during the election.'
'And you think that money got in that way redounds to his credit?'
'Such a gift shows him to be a useful member of society,--and I am always for encouraging useful men.'
'Even though their own objects may be vile and pernicious?'
'There you beg ever so many questions, Mr Carbury. Mr Melmotte wishes to get into Parliament, and if there would vote on the side which you at any rate approve. I do not know that his object in that respect is pernicious. And as a seat in Parliament has been a matter of ambition to the best of our countrymen for centuries, I do not know why we should say that it is vile in this man.' Roger frowned and shook his head. 'Of course Mr Melmotte is not the sort of gentleman whom you have been accustomed to regard as a fitting member for a Conservative constituency. But the country is changing.'