f to the great towns, where there are
factories and public-houses, work-rooms and shops. To establish here
the training institution you speak of would have done many sorts of
good, but not, I think, that particular good, of supreme importance,
which results from Lady Ogram's activity. In the rustics' eyes, it
would be merely a new device for filling up the ranks of cooks and
housemaids, to the sole advantage of an upper class. Of course that
view is altogether wrong, but it would be held. The paper-mill, being
quite a novel enterprise, excites new thoughts. It offers the
independence these people desire, and yet it exacts an obvious
discipline. It establishes a social group corresponding exactly to the
ideal organism which evolution will some day produce: on the one hand
ordinary human beings understanding their obligations and receiving
their due; on the other, a superior mind, reciprocally fulfilling its
duties, and reaping the nobler advantage which consists in a sense of
worthy achievement."

"Very striking indeed!" fell from Mr. Gallantry.

"You seem to have made out a fair case, Mr. Lashmar," said his wife,
with a good-natured laugh. "I'm not sure that I couldn't debate the
point still, but at present I'll be satisfied with your approval of my
scheme."

Lady Ogram, sitting more upright against the back of her chair than
before her attack of breathlessness, had gazed unwaveringly at the
young man throughout his speeches. A grim smile crept over her visage;
her lips were pressed together, and her eyes twinkled with subdued
satisfaction. She now spoke abruptly.

"Do you remain at Hollingford to-night, Mr. Lashmar?"

"Yes, Lady Ogram."

"Very well. Come here to-morrow morning at eleven, go over the mill,
and then lunch with us. My manager shall be ready for you."

"Thank you, very much."

"Miss Bride, give Mr. Lashmar your Report. He might like to look over
it."

Mr. and Mrs. Gallantry were rising to take leave, and the hostess did
not seek to detain them; she stood up, with some difficulty, exhibiting
a figure unexpectedly tall.

"We'll talk over your idea," she said, as she offered her hand to the
lady. "There's something in it, but you mustn't worry me about it, you
know. I cut up rough when I'm worried."

"Oh, I don't mind a bit!" exclaimed Mrs. Gallantry, gaily.

"But I do," was Lady Ogram's rejoinder, which again made her laugh,
with the result that she had to sink back into her chair, waving an