He had discussed the matter a dozen times with Sir John, and knew with what angry vehemence the brewer regarded this new power wherewith it was proposed to invest the Justices of the Peace. He was a stubborn, obstinate man, and had persuaded himself that it was an interference with the liberty of trade. On the other hand, he was an enthusiastic Conservative, and had no wish to put a Liberal Government in power, which would probably bring in temperance legislation of a much more drastic order. He was filled with the Imperialistic sentiment and dreaded the Radical indifference to his ideal of world supremacy. If Sir John could be induced to hear reason, it was probable that he would not insist on the withdrawal of the bill which public opinion had forced the Government to bring. But if left to himself, he might in a fit of temper throw all his influence with the Opposition. Whoever had Durant’s ear on this occasion was for the moment the most powerful man in England. A smile broke on the Canon’s lips. He drew a long breath. “Sophia, I should like to speak a few words to Lionel.” “I’ve just finished,” she said. She did not hurry herself, but when it pleased her left the room. Canon Spratte turned eagerly to his son. “Now, Lionel, I think you’ve shilly-shallied long enough. I want to know for good and all what you propose to do with regard to Gwendolen.” “What do you mean, father?” “Good lord, man, you’re not a perfect fool, are you? We’ve discussed your marriage ad nauseam. I want to know what your intentions are. It’s not fair to the girl to keep her dangling in this fashion. Are you going to marry her or not?” “Well, father, there’s no hurry about it?” “On the contrary there’s the greatest possible hurry.” “Why?” “I have every reason to believe that some one else is thinking of proposing to her.” “Well, I don’t think she cares twopence about me,” answered Lionel, rather sulkily. “Lately when I’ve seen her she’s talked of nothing but you.” “There are less diverting topics of conversation, Lionel,” retorted the Canon, with a smile. “One can have too much of a good thing.” “If you don’t look sharp some one else will step in and cut you out. I warn you candidly.” “I shan’t break my heart, father.” Canon Spratte shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know what the young men of the present day are coming to; they have no spirit and no enterprise. Anyhow, I’ve done my duty and you mustn’t be surprised whatever happens.” “I wonder you don’t marry her yourself,” said Lionel, ironically. “And would you have anything to say against my doing so?” retorted the Canon, not without a suspicion of temper. “Let me tell you that a man of fifty is in the very flower of his age. I flatter myself there are few men of your years who have half the vigour and energy that I have.”