ot
with hatred. How the change has come about in you, I am unable to
understand. I have behaved to you with perfect frankness--"

"When, for instance, you wished me to admire you as a sociologist?"

"It's incredible," cried Dyce, "that you should harp on that paltry
matter! Who, in our time, is an original thinker? Ideas are in the air.
Every man uses his mind--if he has any--on any suggestion which
recommends itself to him. If it were worth while, I could point out
most important differences between the bio-sociological theory as
matured by me and its crude presentment in that book you have got hold
of.--By the bye, how did it come into your hands?"

After an instant's reflection, Constance told him of Mrs. Toplady's
letter and the American magazine.

"And," he asked, "does Mrs. Toplady regard me as a contemptible
plagiarist?"

"It is probable that she has formed conclusions."

Lashmar's eyes fell. He saw that Constance was watching him. In the
turmoil of his feelings all he could do was to jerk out an impatient
laugh.

"It's no use," he exclaimed. "You and I have come to a deadlock. We no
longer understand each other. I thought you were the kind of woman whom
a man can treat as his equal, without fear of ridiculous misconceptions
and hysterical scenes. One more disillusion!"

"Don't you think?" asked Constance, with a bitter smile, "that you are
preparing a good many others for yourself?"

"Of course I know what you mean. There are certain things it wouldn't
be easy to discuss with you at any time; you can't expect me to speak
of them at present. Suppose it an illusion. I came to you, in all
honesty, to tell you what had happened. I thought of you as my friend,
as one who cared about my happiness."

"Why this morning?"

"For the reason I began by explaining. I have to come here to lunch."

"Would it surprise you, when you do come, to be met with the news that
Lord Dymchurch has proposed to Miss Tomalin and been accepted?"

"Indeed," Dyce answered, smiling, "it would surprise me very much."

"Which is as much as to say that I was right, just now, in refusing to
believe you. Do you know," Constance added, with fresh acerbity, "that
you cut a very poor figure? As a diplomatist, you will not go very far.
As an ordinary politician, I doubt whether you can make your way with
such inadequate substitutes for common honesty. Perhaps you _do_
represent the coming man. In that case, we must look anxiously for th