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 ,’ he returned, ‘but the respite in any case can be only temporary. The revolution, I feel convinced, will spread from these shores, and effect, more or less, every part of Europe. You will everywhere see your chosen society changing around you, and increasing its distance from your sympathies. Far better, would it not be, to take the bull by the horns, and see what you can do to accommodate yourself to the times, and prepare for the future. The period will most likely be short, during which the wealthy and high-born can start with advantage over their competitors in the struggle for those things which make existence worth having. Hitherto, your order—mine too—has been as a caste set apart, nursed and favoured as if it belonged to a better world; and of that class the female portion has been the most petted, and, I must say, spoiled. They have been kept in a glass case, so to speak, treated partly as ornaments, partly as toys, partly as slaves; flattered, sonneted, grimaced at, lied to, regarded with mock homage, but not with sincere reverence; they have been thrown the sugared husks of life’s enjoyments with an elegant bow, but debarred as much as possible from the nutritious inside; they have been overwhelmed with valueless offerings, but denied their rights. As my niece well says, it is time the doom of such an epoch were come; and it is come, I really believe.’

As all kept silence, the vicar turned to his wife.

‘Well, now, Kitty dear, I mustn’t tire the company with any more prosing. May we have our trap round?’

‘Certainly,’ replied Lord Humnoddie, ringing, ‘and come over again soon; old friends should hang together at such a time, whatever their private theories.’