'There is perhaps another way,' he said, 'which might do the job for us. Suppose the chemists were to find out how to produce food--food of any kind--artificially--just as good and as nourishing as if it was butcher-meat or bread. Suppose it could be produced dirt cheap--most chemists' things cost nothing. Then no one would need to work: because he'd have his food found for him. If no one would need to work, no one could get rich any more. And if no one wanted to buy anything, nobody could sell. Then riches wouldn't count, and there you are. Let's get a chemist to take the thing up.' The conversation that followed struck out new ideas. Presently it flagged, and one by one the people stole away. The Master and the Disciple returned in the tram as far as Gray's Inn. The Master fell into profound silence a quarter of an hour before the end of the journey. When they got down, Elsie observed first, that he buttoned his coat; next, that he put on gloves; thirdly, that he pulled his hat forwards: and lastly, that he ignored her presence. He drew himself erect, and walked away with firm and precise step in the direction of Bedford Row, which is on the other side of Gray's Inn. He was once more Mr. Edward Dering. 'I wonder,' said Elsie, 'how much, to-morrow, he will recollect?' CHAPTER XXIV CAN HE REMEMBER? It was past ten o'clock that Sunday evening when Elsie arrived home. Athelstan and George were waiting up for her. 'Again the mysterious appointment?' asked the former. 'Are we to know anything yet?'--Elsie shook her head.--'Not to-night? Very good. You look tired, Elsie.' 'I am tired, thank you. And--and I think I would rather not talk to-night. I will go to my own room.--Have patience, both of you, for a day or two longer. Believe me, everything is going well. The only reason why I cannot tell you what I have been doing is that it is so strange--so wonderful--that I have not been able even to shape it into words in my own mind.--What is to-day? The 1st of August.' 'Only eleven days yet--eleven long days,' said George, 'but also eleven short days.' 'I do not forget. Well--you may both of you sit down--go about your business--you need do nothing more. As for me, I think you will have to get on without me every evening this week. But be quite easy. The thing is done.' And with that, nodding and laughing, she ran out of the room. 'It is done,' repeated George. 'The thing is done. Which thing?' 'It is done,' repeated Athelstan. 'What is done? How was it done? Who did it? When was it done?' 'Since Elsie says it is done, I am bound to accept her assurance. Presumably, she has caught old Checkley at South Square, in the very act. Never mind; I am quite sure that Elsie knows what she says.' In her own retreat Elsie sat down to consider.