of uncertain age--he might be eight-and-twenty, but was more
probably ten years older. He was meagre, and of shrewd visage; he wore a
black frock coat--rather shiny at the back--and his collar was obviously
of paper. Incipient baldness endowed him in appearance with a noble
forehead; he carried eye-glasses.

Whilst 'Arry mumbled a form of introduction, the journalist--so Mr.
Keene described himself--stood in a bowing attitude, one hand to
his glasses, seeming to inspect Richard with extreme yet respectful
interest. When he spoke, it was in a rather mincing way, with
interjected murmurs--the involuntary overflow, as it were, of his deep
satisfaction.

'There are few persons in England whose acquaintance I desire more
than that of Mr. Richard Mutimer; indeed, I may leave the statement
unqualified and say at once that there is no one. I have heard you speak
in public, Mr. Mutimer. My profession has necessarily led me to hear
most of our platform orators, and in one respect you distance them
all--in the quality of sincerity. No speaker ever moved me as you did.
I had long been interested in your cause; I had long wished for time
and opportunity to examine into it thoroughly. Your address--I speak
seriously--removed the necessity of further study. I am of your party,
Mr. Mutimer. There is nothing I desire so much as to give and take the
hand of brotherhood.'

He jerked his hand forward, still preserving his respectful attitude.
Richard gave his own hand carelessly, smiling as a man does who cannot
but enjoy flattery yet has a strong desire to kick the flatterer out of
the room.

'Are you a member of the Union?' he inquired.

'With pride I profess myself a member. Some day--and that at no remote
date--I may have it in my power to serve the cause materially.' He
smiled meaningly. 'The press--you understand?' He spread his fingers to
represent wide dominion. 'An ally to whom the columns of the _bourgeois_
press are open--you perceive? It is the task of my life.'

'What papers do you write for?' asked Mutimer bluntly.

'Several, several. Not as yet in a leading capacity. In fact, I am
feeling my way. With ends such as I propose to myself it won't do to
stand committed to any formal creed in politics. Politics, indeed! Ha,
ha!'

He laughed scornfully. Then, turning to Alice--

'You will forgive me, I am sure, Miss Mutimer, that I address myself
first to your brother--I had almost said your illustrious brother. To be