itterly. I can say with a
clear conscience that I abhor untruthfulness. I have never told a
deliberate lie since I was old enough to understand the obligation of
truth! But we have to do with monstrous social tyrannies. Lilian can no
longer live in hiding. She must have a full and enjoyable life."

"Yes. But is it possible for her, under these conditions?"

"I think so. I have still to speak to her, but I know she will see
things as I do."

A very faint smile flitted over Glazzard's lips.

"Good! And you don't fear discovery by--what's his name--Northway?"

"Not if Lilian can decide to break entirely with her relatives--at all
events for some years. She must cease to draw her dividends, of course,
and must announce to the Bristol people that she has determined on a
step which makes it impossible for her to communicate with them
henceforth. I don't think this will be a great sacrifice; her aunt and
her sister have no great hold upon her affections.--You must remember
that her whole being is transformed since she last saw them. She thinks
differently on all and every subject."

"You are assured of that?"

"Absolutely sure! I have educated her. I have freed her from
superstitions and conventionalities. To her, as to me, the lies we
shall have to tell will be burdensome in the extreme; but we shall both
forget in time."

"That is exactly what you can never do!" said Glazzard, deliberately.
"You enter upon a lifetime of dissimulation. Ten, twenty years hence
you will have to act as careful a part as on the day when you and she
first present yourselves in Polterham."

"Oh, in a sense!" cried the other, impatiently.

"A very grave sense.--Quarrier, why have you taken up this political
idea? What's the good of it?"

He leaned forward and spoke with a low earnest voice. Denzil could not
instantly reply.

"Give it up!" pursued Glazzard. "Take Lilian abroad, and live a life of
quiet happiness. Go on with your literary work"----

"Nonsense! I can't draw back now, and I don't wish to."

"Would you--if--if _I_ were willing to become the Liberal candidate?"

Denzil stared in astonishment.

"You? Liberal candidate?"

"Yes, I!"

A peal of laughter rang through the room. Glazzard had spoken as if
with a great effort, his voice indistinct, his eyes furtive. When the
burst of merriment made answer to him, he fell back in his chair,
crossed his legs, and set his features in a hard smile.

"You are joking, old fellow