n their schemes for the advancement of man? They accepted
slavery because they saw that it was the only possible way to make a
republic work, where all citizens might aspire to be equal."

"You would advocate slavery then? Oh! Mr. Derringham, how dreadful of
you!" exclaimed Mrs. Cricklander, half playfully.

"Not in the least," he returned, still allowing some feeling to stay in
his voice. "I would only have it recognized that there must be some
class in my ideal republic who will do the duties of the slaves of old.
I would have it so arranged that they should occupy this class only when
they had shown they were unfit for anything higher, and I would also
arrange it that the moment they appeared capable of rising out of it
there should be no bar to their doing so. It is the cry of our all being
equal because we have two arms and two legs and a head in common, not
counting any mental endowment, which is utter trash and hypocrisy. But
when these agitators are shouting for the people's rights and inciting
poor ignorant wretches to revolt, they never suggest that the lowest of
them is not perfectly suited to the highest position! Those occupying
any station above the lowest have got there merely by superior luck and
favoritism, not merit--that is what they preach."

Mr. Hanbury-Green was just going to answer with a biting attack when
Miss Cora Lutworth's rather high voice was heard interrupting from a
tall old chair in which she had perched herself.

"Why, Mr. Derringham, we all want to be something very grand," she
laughed merrily. "I hate common people and love English dukes and
duchesses--don't you, Cis?" and she looked at Mrs. Cricklander, who was
standing in a position of much stately grace by the lofty mantelpiece.

"You sweet girl!" exclaimed Lord Freynault, who was next to her. "I
cannot get any nearer to those favored folk than my uncle's being a
duke, but won't you let me in for some of your friendly feelings on that
account?"

"I certainly will," she answered archly, "because I like the way you
look. I like how your hair is brushed, and how your clothes are cut, and
your being nice and clean and outdoor--and long and thin--" and then she
whispered--"ever so much better than Mr. Hanbury-Green's thick
appearance. He may be as clever as clever, but he is common and climbing
up, and I like best the people who are there!"

John Derringham now addressed himself exclusively to his hostess.

"I agree with the poi