“But what has been done is as follows. The Eastern peril has been for ever dissipated. It is understood now, by fanatic barbarians as well as by civilised nations, that the reign of War is ended. ‘Not peace but a sword,’ said CHRIST; and bitterly true have those words proved to be. ‘Not a sword but peace’ is the retort, articulate at last, from those who have renounced CHRIST’S claims or have never accepted them. The principle of love and union learned however falteringly in the West during the last century, has been taken up in the East as well. There shall be no more an appeal to arms, but to justice; no longer a crying after a God Who hides Himself, but to Man who has learned his own Divinity. The Supernatural is dead; rather, we know now that it never yet has been alive. What remains is to work out this new lesson, to bring every action, word and thought to the bar of Love and Justice; and this will be, no doubt, the task of years. Every code must be reversed; every barrier thrown down; party must unite with party, country with country, and continent with continent. There is no longer the fear of fear, the dread of the hereafter, or the paralysis of strife. Man has groaned long enough in the travails of birth; his blood has been poured out like water through his own foolishness; but at length he understands himself and is at peace. “Let it be seen at least that England is not behind the nations in this work of reformation; let no national isolation, pride of race, or drunkenness of wealth hold her hands back from this enormous work. The responsibility is incalculable, but the victory certain. Let us go softly, humbled by the knowledge of our crimes in the past, confident in the hope of our achievements in the future, towards that reward which is in sight at last--the reward hidden so long by the selfishness of men, the darkness of religion, and the strife of tongues--the reward promised by one who knew not what he said and denied what he asserted--Blessed are the meek, the peacemakers, the merciful, for they shall inherit the earth, be named the children of God, and find mercy.” * * * * * Oliver, white to the lips, with his wife kneeling now beside him, turned the page and read one more short paragraph, marked as being the latest news. “It is understood that the Government is in communication with Mr. Felsenburgh.” II “Ah! it is journalese,” said Oliver, at last, leaning back. “Tawdry stuff! But--but the thing!” Mabel got up, passed across to the window-seat, and sat down. Her lips opened once or twice, but she said nothing. “My darling,” cried the man, “have you nothing to say?” She looked at him tremulously a moment. “Say!” she said. “As you said, What is the use of words?” “Tell me again,” said Oliver. “How do I know it is not a dream?” “A dream,” she said. “Was there ever a dream like this?”