have told you already; but I couldn't endure
the idea of having a lady, who doesn't know or care anything about me
and my claims, asked by somebody to say a word to some great man or
some great man's wife, in order that I might get a hearing. I am sure
you understand what I mean, Miss Grey."

"Oh, yes, I never should have misunderstood it; and I know that you are
quite right. It would be a downright degradation."

"So I felt. Anyhow, I could not do it. Then there remains the making
myself troublesome, as Money advises----"

"Yes, what is that?"

"Getting my case brought on again and again in the House of Commons,
and having debates about it, and making the whole thing public, and so
forcing the Government either to do me justice or to satisfy the
country that justice has already been done," he said bitterly.

"That would seem to me a right thing to do," Miss Grey said; "but I
know so little that I ought not to offer a word of advice."

"Oh, yes, I should trust to your feelings and instincts in such a case.
Well, I don't like, somehow, being in the hands of politicians and
party men, who might use me and my cause only as a means of annoying
the Government--not really from any sense of right and justice. I don't
know if I make myself quite understood; it is hard to expect a lady,
especially a young lady, to understand these things."

"I think I can quite understand all that. We are not so stupid as you
seem to suppose, Mr. Heron."

"Stupid? Didn't I tell you of my goddess theory?"

"Some of the goddesses were very stupid I always think. Venus was
stupid."

"Well, well; anyhow you are not Venus."

"No, indeed."

"In that sense I mean. Then I do succeed in making myself understood?"

"Oh, yes!" She could see that he was looking disappointed at her
interruption and her seeming levity, which was indeed only the result
of a momentary impulse to keep up to herself her character as a scorner
of men. "I think I understand quite clearly that you fear to be made
the mere instrument of politicians; and I think you are quite right. I
did not think of that at first, but, now that you explain it, I am sure
that you are right."

He nodded approvingly. "Then comes the question," he said, "what is to
be done?"

Leaning against the bridge, he thrust his hands into his pockets, and
stood looking into her face, as if he were really waiting for her to
solve the problem for him.

"That is entirely beyond me," she said. "I