"Not I," he answered brusquely. "Only I would have you realize that roses and honeysuckle and regular wages, the appurtenances of material prosperity, are after all things of little consequence. They hear the song of the world, these people, in their leisure moments; their young men and girls are no stronger than their fellows when temptation comes." Deyes leaned suddenly forward in his chair. He felt that his intervention dissipated a dramatic interest, of which he was keenly conscious, but he could not keep silence any longer. "To follow out your argument, sir, to its logical conclusion," he said, "why not aim higher still? It is your contention, is it not, that the seeds of evil things are sown in indifference, that prosperity might even tend towards their propagation. Why not direct your energies, then, towards the men and women of Society? There is plenty of scope here for your labours." The young man turned towards him. The lines of his mouth had relaxed into a smile of tolerant indifference. "I have no sympathy, sir," he answered, "with the class you name. On a sinking ship, the cry is always, 'Save the women and children.' It is the less fortunate in the world's possessions who represent the women and children of shipwrecked morality. It is for their betterment that we work." Deyes sighed gently. "It is a pity," he declared. "I am convinced that there is a magnificent opening for mission work amongst the idle classes." "No doubt," the young man agreed quickly. "The question is whether the game is worth the candle." Deyes made no reply. Lady Peggy was laughing softly to herself. "I have heard all that you have to say, Mr. Macheson," the mistress of Thorpe said calmly, "and I can only repeat that I think your presence here as a missioner most unnecessary. I consider it, in fact, an----" She hesitated. With a sudden flash of humour in his deep-set eyes, he supplied the word. "An impertinence, perhaps!" "The word is not mine," she answered, "but I accept it willingly. I cannot interfere with Mr. Hurd's decision as to the barn." "I am sorry," he said slowly. "I must hold my meetings out of doors! That is all!" There was a dangerous glitter in her beautiful eyes. "There is no common land in the neighbourhood," she said, "and you will of course understand that I will consider you a trespasser at any time you are found upon my property." He bowed slightly. "I am here to speak to your people," he said, "and I will do so, if I have to stop in these lanes and talk to them one by one. You will pardon my reminding you, madam, that the days of feudalism are over." Wilhelmina carefully shuffled the pack of cards which she had just taken up. "We will finish our rubber, Peggy," she said. "Mr. Deyes, perhaps I may trouble you to ring the bell!" The young man was across the room before Deyes could move.