"I think that Mr. Farquharson can stand the sort of personal challenge you speak of better than most men," said Evelyn. "A man in his position expects disparagement and injustice. He laughs at it all, to begin with—and then he has the proud patience which lives down taint and contumely. Mud may be thrown at him; it may even soil him for a time, but not for long. Love of country is the strongest force in him, and impersonal love raises a man to great heights." She turned suddenly to Lady Wereminster, smiling. "Oh, my dear, don’t let us insult him by fearing the issue of to-morrow night," she said. "I believe in atmosphere: let’s surround him with trust and confidence and hope. He’ll win through this time of crisis, and every other, and be successful, no matter what lies are told of him or what evil is wrought." Meantime, at home Dora, preparing for an early dinner, went into her husband’s room. "Father tells me that he thinks I ought to be at the House to-morrow night," she said. "He says you’re going to make a speech on something important; it’s a great bore, but I suppose I’ll have to go." "I don’t think it’s in the least necessary," said Farquharson. Dora shrugged her shoulders. "I at least am not accustomed to putting myself in the wrong, whatever you are," she said. *CHAPTER VII* "Danger, the spurre of all great mindes...."—G. CHAPMAN. "Got on your coat of mail?" said Beadon cheerfully, next afternoon. Farquharson laughed. "I rather enjoy a scrimmage, you know—’Though the House of Commons lately has justified its title,’ to quote Lady Wereminster. As a matter of fact I think the Assembly in Taorna would hold its own against our English methods any day." "In my heart of hearts I don’t approve of government by party, as you know. Party too often resolves itself into person. Political bouts are like wrestling matches: they open out a wide field of corruption. But in England, of course, there can be no other method," said Creagh. "Oh, it’s undoubtedly one that gives rein to intrigue and self-aggrandizement. I was talking to H—— the other day"—Farquharson mentioned a leading member of the Opposition. "There’s a man with a brain if you like, virile even in his way. He knows as well as you or I that as a mere question of the country’s safety it is absolutely necessary that we should keep our policy with regard to these present troubles on the Continent as secret as possible. He said as much, in fact. Yet he’ll heckle and hustle and harass us to-night with the rest, running absolutely counter to his own convictions to strengthen the war-cry of his party."