le really it is because they
have a spark of genius that they ought to be, and are worthy to be,
cultivated to the highest point."

"Well, anyway--culture or no culture--I mean to set the Thames on fire
some day."

"You do, do you? Well, it is a laudable and not uncommon ambition."

"Yes, I do; and you mustn't look so doubtful on the subject, as it isn't
pretty manners."

"Did I look doubtful? I'm very sorry."

"Horribly so. I know exactly what you will do, you are so shockingly
matter-of-fact. First you will prove to a demonstration that it is
utterly impossible for such an inferior being as a woman to set the
Thames on fire at all. Then--when I've done it and London is
illuminated--you will write to the papers to show that the 'flash-point'
of the river is decidedly too low, or else such an unlooked-for
catastrophe could never have occurred. Then you will get the Government
to take the matter up, and to bring a charge of arson against the New
Woman. And, finally, you will have notices put up all along the banks
from Goring to Greenwich, 'Ladies are requested not to bring
inflammatory articles near the river; the right of setting the Thames on
fire is now--as formerly--reserved specially for men.' And then you will
try to set it on fire yourself."

"A most characteristic programme, I must confess. But now tell me; when
you have set your Thames on fire, and covered yourself with laurels, and
generally turned the world upside down, sha'n't you allow some humble
and devoted beggarman to share your kingdom with you? You might find it
a little dull alone in your glory, as you are such a sociable person."

"Well, if I do, of course I shall let some nice man share it with me."

"I see. You will stoop from your solitary splendour and say to the
devoted beggarman, 'Allow me to offer you the post of King Consort; it
is a mere sinecure, and confers only the semblance and not the reality
of power; but I hope you will accept it, as I have nothing better to
give you, and if you are submissive and obedient I will make you as
comfortable as I can under the circumstances.'"

"Good gracious! I hope I am too wise ever to talk to a man in that way.
No, no, Chris; I shall find some nice man, who has seen through me all
the time and who hasn't been taken in by me, as the world has; and I
shall say to him, 'By the way, here is a small fire and a few laurel
leaves; please warm your hands at the one and wear the others in your
butto