much care, and its literary qualities were admired when
subsequently it saw the light in one of the leading periodicals. Now and
then he touched eloquence; the sincerity animating him was unmistakable,
and the ideal he glorified was worthy of a noble mind. Not in anger did
he speak of the schism from which the movement was suffering; even his
sorrow was dominated by a gospel of hope. Optimism of the most fervid
kind glowed through his discourse; he grew almost lyrical in his
anticipation of the good time coming. For to-night it seemed to him that
encouragement should be the prevailing note; it was always easy to see
the dark side of things. Their work, he told his hearers, was but just
beginning. They aimed at nothing less than a revolution, and revolutions
were not brought about in a day. None of them would in the flesh behold
the reign of justice; was that a reason why they should neglect the
highest impulses of their nature and sit contented in the shadow of the
world's mourning? He spoke with passion of the millions disinherited
before their birth, with infinite tenderness of those weak ones whom our
social system condemns to a life of torture, just because they are weak.
One loved the man for his great heart and for his gift of moving speech.

His wife sat, as she always did when listening intently, her body bent
forward, one hand supporting her chin. Her eyes never quitted his face.

To the second speaker it had fallen to handle in detail the differences
of the hour. Mutimer's exordium was not inspiriting after the
rich-rolling periods with which Mr. Westlake had come to an end; his
hard voice contrasted painfully with the other's cultured tones. Richard
was probably conscious of this, for he hesitated more than was his wont,
seeking words which did not come naturally to him. However, he warmed to
his work, and was soon giving his audience clearly to understand how he,
Richard Mutimer, regarded the proceedings of Comrade Roodhouse. Let
us be practical--this was the burden of his exhortation. We are
Englishmen--and women--not flighty, frothy foreigners. Besides, we have
the blessings of free speech, and with the tongue and pen we must be
content to fight, other modes of warfare being barbarous. Those who in
their inconsiderate zeal had severed the Socialist body, were taking
upon themselves a very grave responsibility; not only had they troubled
the movement internally, but they would doubtless succeed in giving it