“Why did we all like him?” asked Joan. “Even Miss Lavery. There’s nothing extraordinary about him.” The little withered face lighted up. “Guess,” she said, as she unfolded and displayed a tiny garment.!

“They would never overtake the farmer,” he answered, with a laugh. “And the last word would always be with him. I am out to get rid of the landlords,” he continued, “not to establish them as the permanent rulers of the country, as they are in Germany. The people are more powerful—just a little, because they are no longer dependent on the land. They can say to the farmer, ‘All right, my son, if that’s your figure, I’m going to the shop next door—to South America, to Canada, to Russia.’ It isn’t a satisfactory solution. I want to see England happy and healthy before I bother about the Argentine. It drives our men into the slums when they might be living fine lives in God’s fresh air. In the case of war it might be disastrous. There, I agree with him. We must be able to shut our door without fear of having to open it ourselves to ask for bread. How would Protection accomplish that? Did he tell you?” “Why did you give it up?” asked Joan.

“It’s a new world we shall be called upon to build,” he said. “We must pay more heed to the foundation this time.” “Not much to look at, if that’s what you mean,” answered Madge. “Began life as a miner, I believe. Looks like ending as Prime Minister.” “I wish poor dear Sam could have been kept out of it,” said Flossie. She wiped her eyes and finished her tea.