down, this man stirred more
forcibly, as though combating an impulse which increased in violence,
and eventually he was on his feet; had caught the Speaker's eyes.

There was a momentary silence throughout the House. _Lowther_! How
long was it, how many years since Lowther had essayed a speech? What
had happened to spur him to such an effort? This was his first
appearance since the beginning of the session, and though he was
obviously improved in health he had avoided private conversation, and
kept shrinkingly to himself. And now--a speech! With characteristic
loyalty to a man who has done good work in past days, the House prayed
that Lowther knew what he was about, and was not going to make an
exhibition of himself.

But now he was speaking, and the old charm was at work. The members
listened with surprise to the old well-turned sentences, the old
masterly style; felt again the charm of the old ingenuous manner. And
he was speaking to the point, with an expert's width of knowledge which
held the House. "On this point of tenure might it not be well to take a
hint from Italy?--In Italy, etc., etc."

"In Holland there was a special exemption which was worthy of note..."
"In the province of Lombardy the tenants retained the right..." The
land problems of Europe seemed at his finger-ends; he handled them not
as a politician informed by dry, written statements, but as living
things, seen through living eyes. He had apt illustrations to present
with the readiness of first-hand knowledge; he had, as a sum total, one
illuminating suggestion, and the House cheered him with a ringing cheer.

That cheer sounded in Lowther's ears like the opening of a great gate, a
gate which his own hands had closed. Through its portals he beheld once
more the castles of his dreams, and took heart to walk forward.

Lilith greeted him with a smile of congratulation, but the drive home
was accomplished in silence. It was late when they arrived at their
modest flat. The servants had retired to bed, leaving a table of
refreshments drawn up before the drawing-room fire. Lilith took off her
cloak and sat down, but Lowther went straight to his own room. A few
minutes later he returned, and, closing the door behind him, stood
silently behind her chair. She could hear the quick intake of his
breath, but she waited motionless until he should speak.

At last it came.

"Lilith! I have something I want to give you. Something for you-