n
ourselves, though it may look like it. You see I must have a place where
people can call to see me; we'd no room before.'

He mused.

'You'll write and tell your mother?'

'Yes.'

'Don't say anything about the money. You haven't done yet, I suppose?'

'No.'

'Better not That's our own business. You can just say you're more
comfortable. Of course,' he added, 'there's no secret. I shall let
people understand in time that I am carrying out the wishes of a
Socialist friend. That's simple enough. But there's no need to talk
about it just yet. I must get fairly going first.'

His face gathered light as he proceeded.

'Ah, _now_ I'll do something! see if I don't. You see, the fact of the
matter is, there are some men who are cut out for leading in a movement,
and I have the kind of feeling--well, for one thing, I'm readier at
public speaking than most. You think so, don't you?'

Adela was sewing together some chintzes. She kept her eyes closely on
the work.

'Yes, I think so.'

'Now the first thing I shall get done,' her husband pursued, a little
disappointed that she gave no warmer assent, 'is that book, "My Work at
New Wanley." The Union 'll publish it. It ought to have a good sale in
Belwick and round about there. You see I must get my name well known;
that's everything. When I've got that off hand, then I shall begin on
the East End. I mean to make the East End my own ground. I'll see if
something can't be done to stir 'em up. I haven't quite thought it
out yet. There must be some way of getting them to take an interest in
Socialism. Now we'll see what can be done in twelve months. What'll you
bet me that I don't add a thousand members to the Union in this next
year?'

'I dare say you can.'

'There's no "dare say" about it. I mean to! I begin to think I've
special good luck; things always turn out right in the end. When I
lost my work because I was a Socialist, then came Wanley. Now I've lost
Wanley, and here comes five hundred a year for ten years! I wonder who
that poor fellow may be? I suppose he'll die soon, and then no doubt we
shall hear his name. I only wish there were a few more like him.'

'The East End!' he resumed presently. 'That's my ground. I'll make the
East End know me as well as they know any man in England. What we want
is personal influence. It's no use asking them to get excited about
a _movement_; they must have a _man_. Just the same in _bourgeois_
politics. It isn't Liberalism t