Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/80

 I believe we have some rather strenuous Socialists in Stranleigh village."

"Yes, my lord, we have. There are at least half a dozen who should have been packed off the place months ago. I can do it yet if you give me permission."

"Oh, bless you, no! I am rather by way of being a Socialist myself; indeed, I have allowed free use of the Village Hall, and I supply the reading-room with all the Socialistic journals I can find. Were the Socialists, as I suspect, leaders in this new plan?"

"They have taken a very active part in it, my lord."

"Very well, Wilson. You will return to Stranleigh village, and convene the inhabitants thereof in the Public Hall. Apologise to them for my neglect in allowing the present library to become out of date, and tell them I am in full sympathy with their desire for improvement. By the way, do you know how much Mr. Barnacle intended to spend on this building?" "I am not sure, my lord, but I think something like three thousand pounds."

"Well, that is very good of him, so I beg you to have drafted a most cordial letter of thanks, declining the donation. This should be signed by yourself,