when these agitators are shouting for the people's rights and inciting
poor ignorant wretches to revolt, they never suggest that the lowest of
them is not perfectly suited to the highest position! Those occupying
any station above the lowest have got there merely by superior luck and
favoritism, not merit--that is what they preach."

Mr. Hanbury-Green was just going to answer with a biting attack when
Miss Cora Lutworth's rather high voice was heard interrupting from a
tall old chair in which she had perched herself.

"Why, Mr. Derringham, we all want to be something very grand," she
laughed merrily. "I hate common people and love English dukes and
duchesses--don't you, Cis?" and she looked at Mrs. Cricklander, who was
standing in a position of much stately grace by the lofty mantelpiece.

"You sweet girl!" exclaimed Lord Freynault, who was next to her. "I
cannot get any nearer to those favored folk than my uncle's being a
duke, but won't you let me in for some of your friendly feelings on that
account?"

"I certainly will," she answered archly, "because I like the way you
look. I like how your hair is brushed, and how your clothes are cut, and
your being nice and clean and outdoor--and long and thin--" and then she
whispered--"ever so much better than Mr. Hanbury-Green's thick
appearance. He may be as clever as clever, but he is common and climbing
up, and I like best the people who are there!"

John Derringham now addressed himself exclusively to his hostess.

"I agree with the point of view of the old Greeks--they were so full of