“It is perhaps that you are too individualistic,” panted Mr. Shatov. There was no opening in this for an appearance of easy conversation; the words were leaping and barking round her like dogs. But she turned swiftly leading the way down a winding side path and demanding angrily as soon as they were alone how it was possible to be too individualistic. “I agree to a certain extent that it is impossible. A man is first himself. But the peril is of being cut off from his fellow creatures.” “Why _peril_? Men descend to meet. Are you a socialist? Do you believe in the opinions of mediocre majorities?” “Why this adjective? Why mediocre? No, I would call myself rather one who believes in the _race_.” “_What_ race? The race is nothing without individuals.” “What is an individual without the race?” “An individual, with a consciousness; or a soul, whatever you like to call it. The race, apart from individuals is nothing at all.” “You have introduced here several immense questions. There is the question as to whether a human being isolated from his fellows would retain any human characteristics. Your great Buckle has considered this in relation to the problem of heredity. But aside of this, has the race not a soul and an individuality? Greater than that of its single parts?” “Certainly not. The biggest thing a race does is to produce a few big individualities.” “The biggest thing that the race does is that it _goes on_. Individuals perish.” “You don’t know that they do.” “That is speculation; without evidence. I have the most complete evidence that the race survives.” “It may die, according to science.” “That also is a speculation. But what is certain is--that the greatest individual is great only as he gives much to the race; to his fellow creatures. Without this, individuality is pure-negative.” “Individuality _cannot_ be negative.” “There speaks the Englishwoman. It is certainly England’s highest attainment that the rights of the individual are sacred here. But even this is not complete. It is still impeded by class prejudice.” “_I_ haven’t any class prejudice.” “You are wrong; believe me you have immensely these prejudices. I could quite easily prove this to you. You are in many ways most exceptionally for an Englishwoman emancipated. But you are still pure-Tory.” “That is only my stamp. I can’t help that. But I myself have no prejudices.”