Your dreams are coming true--see, I
don't forget!"

"I owe you far more than you could possibly imagine," said Paul.

"No, no. Don't. Don't exaggerate. A laughing phrase--that's nothing."

"It is something. Even a great deal. But it's not all," said he.

"What else is there?"

"You were one of the two or three," he said earnestly, thinking of the
Bludston factory, "who opened new horizons for me."

"I'm a proud woman," said Lady Chudley.

The next day, Sunday, old Lord Chudley dragged him into his own private
den. He had a very red, battered, clean-shaven face and very red hair
and side whiskers; and he was a very honest gentleman, believing
implicitly in God and the King and the House of Lords, and Foxes, and
the Dutch School of Painting, and his responsibility as a great
landowner toward the two or three thousand human beings with whom he
had business relations.

"Look here, Savelli. I've looked into your League. It's a damned good
thing. About the only thing that has been invented which can stem the
tide of Socialism. Catch 'em young. That's the way. But you want the
sinews of war. You get subscriptions, but not enough; I've seen your
last balance sheet. You want a little army of--what the devil shall we
call 'em?"

"Big Englanders," Paul suggested at a venture.

"Good. We want an army of 'em to devote their whole time to the work.
Open a special fund. You and Ursula Winwood will know how to work it.
What Ursula Winwood doesn't know in this sort of business isn't worth
knowing--and here's something to head the list with."

And he handed Paul a cheque, which after a dazed second or two he
realized to be one for five thousand pounds.

That was the beginning of the financial prosperity and the real
political importance of the Young England League. Paul organized a
great public dinner with the Leader of the Opposition in the chair and
an amazing band of notables around the tables. Speeches were made, the
Marquis of Chudley's patriotism extolled, and subscription lists filled
up and handed to a triumphant organizing secretary.

A powerful daily newspaper took up the cause and made strong appeal.
The Lodges made simultaneous efforts in their respective districts.
Money flowed into the League's coffers.

When Parliament rose for the Easter recess Paul, the most tired, yet
the most blissful, youth among the Fortunate, flew straight to Venice,
where a happy-eyed princess welcomed him. She was living in a Pal