y small
minority."

"Philosophically, I am convinced of that," replied the editor, as
though he meant to guard himself against too literal or practical an
application of the theorem.

"The task of our time," pursued Dyce, with a half absent air, "is to
make this not only understood by, but acceptable to, the multitude.
Political education is our pressing need, and political education means
teaching the People how to select its Rulers. For my own part, I have
rather more hope of a constituency such as Hollingford, than of one
actively democratic. The fatal thing is for an electorate to be bent on
choosing the man as near as possible like unto themselves. That is the
false idea of representation. Progress does not mean guidance by one of
the multitude, but by one of nature's elect, and the multitude must
learn how to recognise such a man."

He looked at Lady Ogram, smiling placidly.

"There's rather a Tory sound about that," said the hostess, with a nod,
"but Mr. Breakspeare will understand."

"To be sure, to be sure!" exclaimed the editor. "It is the aristocratic
principle rightly understood."

"It is the principle of nature," said Lashmar, "as revealed to us by
science. Science--as Mr. Breakspeare is well aware--teaches, not
levelling, but hierarchy. The principle has always been dimly
perceived. In our time, biology enables us to work it out with
scientific precision."

Mr. Breakspeare betrayed a little uneasiness.

"I regret," he said diffidently, "that I have had very little time to
give to natural science. When we have floored Robb, I fully intend to
apply myself to a study of all that kind of thing."

Lashmar bestowed a gracious smile upon him.

"My dear sir, the flooring of Robb--Robb in his symbolic sense--can
only be brought about by assiduous study and assimilation of what I
will call bio-sociology. Not only must we, the leaders, have thoroughly
grasped this science, but we must find a way of teaching it to the
least intelligent of our fellow citizens. The task is no trifling one.
I'm very much afraid that neither you nor I will live to see it
completed."

"Pray don't discourage us," put in Constance. "Comprehensive theories
are all very well, but Mr. Breakspeare's practical energy is quite as
good a thing."

The editor turned his eyes upon Miss Bride, their expression a
respectful gratitude. He was a married man, with abundant offspring.
Mrs. Breakspeare rose every morning at half-past six, an