“That's exactly what makes it difficult for you to look at it all round. That fellow Hughs could make himself quite nasty. I wouldn't give him any sort of chance. I mean to say--giving the girl clothes and that kind of thing---” “I see,” said Hilary. “You know, old man,” Stephen went on hastily, “I don't think you'll get Bianca to look at things in your light. If you were on--on terms, of course it would be different. I mean the girl, you know, is rather attractive in her way.” Hilary roused himself from contemplation of the ducks, and they moved on towards the Powder Magazine. Stephen carefully abstained from looking at his brother; the respect he had for Hilary--result, perhaps, of the latter's seniority, perhaps of the feeling that Hilary knew more of him than he of Hilary--was beginning to assert itself in a way he did not like. With every word, too, of this talk, the ground, instead of growing firmer, felt less and less secure. Hilary spoke: “You mistrust my powers of action?” “No, no,” said Stephen. “I don't want you to act at all.” Hilary laughed. Hearing that rather bitter laugh, Stephen felt a little ache about his heart. “Come, old boy,” he said, “we can trust each other, anyway.” Hilary gave his brother's arm a squeeze. Moved by that pressure, Stephen spoke: “I hate you to be worried over such a rotten business.” The whizz of a motor-car rapidly approaching them became a sort of roar, and out of it a voice shouted: “How are you?” A hand was seen to rise in salute. It was Mr. Purcey driving his A.i. Damyer back to Wimbledon. Before him in the sunlight a little shadow fled; behind him the reek of petrol seemed to darken the road. “There's a symbol for you,” muttered Hilary. “How do you mean?” said Stephen dryly. The word “symbol” was distasteful to him. “The machine in the middle moving on its business; shadows like you and me skipping in front; oil and used-up stuff dropping behind. Society-body, beak, and bones.” Stephen took time to answer. “That's rather far-fetched,” he said. “You mean these Hughs and people are the droppings?” “Quite so,” was Hilary's sardonic answer. “There's the body of that fellow and his car between our sort and them--and no getting over it, Stevie.” “Well, who wants to? If you're thinking of our old friend's Fraternity, I'm not taking any.” And Stephen suddenly added: “Look here, I believe this affair is all 'a plant.'” “You see that Powder Magazine?” said Hilary. “Well, this business that you call a 'plant' is more like that. I don't want to alarm you, but I think you as well as our young friend Martin, are inclined to underrate the emotional capacity of human nature.” Disquietude broke up the customary mask on Stephen's face: “I don't understand,” he stammered.