trouble and humiliation; but the
trouble and humiliation will not come just yet, and in the meanwhile a
sop is thrown to Cerberus. Political memories are short, and when
exposure comes it will be easy to fix the blame upon the other side.
It is because we appreciate these facts that in the end we must
prevail. The Liberal party, or rather the Radical section, which is to
the great Liberal party what the helm is to the ship, appeals to the
baser instincts and more pressing appetites of the people; the
Conservative only to their traditions and higher aspirations, in the
same way that religion appeals to the spirit, and the worship of
Mammon to the senses. The shibboleth of the one is 'self-interest;' of
the other, 'national honour.' The first appeals to the many, the
second to the finer few, and I must leave you to judge which will
carry the day."

"And if ever you become Prime Minister, shall you rule England upon
these principles?" asked Mrs. Carr.

"Certainly; it is because I have mastered them that I am what I am. I
owe everything to them, consequently in my view they are the finest of
all principles."

"Then Heaven help England!" soliloquized Arthur, rudely.

"And so say we all," added Lady Florence, who was a strong
Conservative.

"My dear young people," answered Lord Minster, with a superior smile,
"England is quite capable of looking after herself. I have to look
after myself. She will, at any rate, last my time, and my motto is
that one should get something out of one's country, not attempt to do
her services that would in all probability never be recognized, or, if
recognized, left unrewarded."

Arthur was about to answer, with more sharpness than discretion, but
Mrs. Carr interposed.

"Well, Lord Minster, we have to thank you for a very cynical and lucid
explanation of the objects of your party, if they really are its
objects. Will you give me some wine?"

After dinner Mrs. Carr devoted herself almost exclusively to Lord
Minster, leaving Arthur to talk to Lady Florence. Lord Minster was not
slow to avail himself of the opportunity.

"I have been thinking of your remark to me in London about the
crossing-sweeper," he began.

"Oh, for Heaven's sake don't drag that wretched man out of his grave,
Lord Minster. I really have forgotten what I said about him."

"I hope, Mrs. Carr, that you have forgotten a good deal you said that
day. I may as well take this opportunity----"

"No, please don't, Lord