ves of
thousands and brought about an honourable peace. I do not know that
Miss Holden has done much to solve the general problem, but I dare
assert that she views it more clearly, and could face it more
confidently than she could have done a year ago--that is to say, she
has solved her own problem."

"There is some truth in that," I said. "Windyridge has given me
clearer vision, and I am more optimistic on that account. Mr. Evans
told me on the occasion of our first meeting that I should find human
nature the same here as elsewhere, and that is so. But the type is
larger in the village than it is in the town, and I can read and
understand it better. Yet one thing town and country alike have proved
to me, and that is what you, Mr. Evans, asserted so confidently--that
selfishness is the root of sin. How are we to conquer that?"

"Only by patient effort," replied the squire. "Shallow reformers are
eager to try hasty and ill-considered measures. Zealous converts,
whose eyes have been suddenly opened to the anomalies and injustices of
society, are angry and impatient because the wheels of progress revolve
so slowly, and they become rebellious and sometimes anarchical. And
their discontent is a sign of life, and it is good in its way, but
ordinarily it is ineffective. You may blow up the Council House in
Jericho because the councillors have not done their duty, and you may
shoot the robbers because they have wounded the traveller, and the
zealous reformer will commend you and say: 'Now we are beginning to
make things move!' But the man who goes to work to destroy the seeds
of greed and selfishness, so that men will no longer either need or
covet the possessions of others, is the real reformer; but reformation
is a plant of slow growth. Yet everyone who sows the antidote to
selfishness in the heart of his neighbour is to be accounted a
reformer."

The vicar's carriage was announced at that moment and the conversation
was interrupted.

"We will continue it next week, sir," said the Cynic, "if you will
allow me to pay you another visit. I cannot be here until the evening
of Saturday; may I stay the week-end?"

"Certainly," said the squire with a smile, "if your engagements permit.
I think we must all realise that you seek to carry your theory of life
into practice."

That was on Saturday. The Cynic left by the early train this morning,
and he had no sooner gone than the post brought me a letter from Rose.