ut the fire always burnt clear; it is smoulder
that poisons the air.

She knew her sister, pitied her, always made for her the gentlest
allowances. It would have been easy to stand aside, to disclaim
responsibility, and let Kate do as she chose, but the easy course was
never the one she chose when endurance promised better results. To
resist to the uttermost, even to claim and exert the authority she
derived from her suffering, was, she knew, the truest kindness to her
sister. And in the end she prevailed. Kate tore her passion to tatters,
then succumbed to exhaustion. But she did not fling out of the room, and
this Emma knew to be a hopeful sign. The opportunity of strong, placid
speech at length presented itself, and Emma used it well. She did not
succeed in eliciting a promise, but when she declared her confidence
in her sister's better self, Kate made no retort, only sat in stubborn
muteness.

In the afternoon Emma went forth to fulfil her intention of finding
lodgings. She avoided the neighbourhood in which she had formerly lived,
and after long search discovered what she wanted in a woful byway near
Old Street. It was one room only, but larger than she had hoped to come
upon; fortunately her own furniture had been preserved, and would now
suffice.

Kate remained sullen, but proved by her actions that she had
surrendered; she began to pack her possessions. Emma wrote to Alice,
announcing that the house was tenantless; she took the note to Highbury
herself, and left it at the door, together with the house key. The
removal was effected after nightfall.

CHAPTER XVII

Movements which appeal to the reason and virtue of humanity, and are
consequently doomed to remain long in the speculative stage, prove their
vitality by enduring the tests of schism. A Socialistic propaganda in
times such as our own, an insistence upon the principles of Christianity
in a modern Christian state, the advocacy of peace and good-will in
an age when falsehood is the foundation of the social structure, and
internecine warfare is presupposed in every compact between man and man,
might anticipate that the test would come soon, and be of a stringent
nature. Accordingly it did not surprise Mr. Westlake when he discerned
the beginnings of commotion in the Union of which he represented the
cultured and leading elements. A comrade named Roodhouse had of late
been coming into prominence by addressing himself in fiery eloquence
to open-