Page:Tales of the long bow.pdf/252

 "Do you really mean, my lord," cried Hunter in a heat of sincerity stronger than the snobbery of a lifetime, "that you are going to support the Bolshies?"

"No," said Eden, with the smile of a sphinx. "I mean the Bolshies are going to support me. Idiots!"

After a silence, he added in a more wistful tone:

"Of course, as a matter of sentiment, it is a little sad. All our fine old English castles and manors, the homes of the gentry they will become public property, like post offices, I suppose. When I think of the happy hours I have myself passed at Normantowers" He smiled across at the nobleman of that name and went on. "And Sir Horace has now, I believe, the joy of living in Warbridge Castle—fine old place. Dear me, yes, and I think Mr. Low has a castle, though the name escapes me."

"Rosewood Castle," said Mr. Low rather sulkily.

"But I say," cried Sir Horace, rising, "what becomes of 'Don't Nationalize but Rationalize'?"

"I suppose," replied Eden lightly, "it will have to be 'Don't Rationalize but Nationalize.' It comes to the same thing. Besides, we can