League is apparently a legal organization,' said Lord Dungory in the
midst of a profound silence.

'A society legal, that exists and holds its power through an organized
system of outrage! Mind you, as I have always said, the landlords have
brought all their misfortunes upon themselves; they have often behaved
disgracefully--but I would, nevertheless, put down the outrages; yes, I
would put down the outrages, and at any cost.'

'And what would yer do?' asked Mr. Ryan. 'De yer know that the herds are
being coerced now? we'd get on well enough were it not for that.'

'In the beginning of this year Mr. Forster asked Parliament for special
powers. How has he used those powers? Without trial, five hundred people
have been thrown into prison, and each fresh arrest is answered by a
fresh outrage; and when the warrant is issued, and I suppose it will be
issued sooner or later, for the arrest of Mr. Parnell, I should not be
surprised to hear of a general strike being made against rent. The
consequences of such an event will be terrific; but let these
consequences, I say, rest on Mr. Forster's head. I shall have no word of
pity for him. His government is a disgrace to Liberalism, and I fear he
has done much to prejudice our ideal in the eyes of the world.'

Lord Dungory and Lady Jane exchanged smiles; and poor crotchety Mr.
Adair leaned forward his large, bald brow, obscured by many obscure
ideals. After a pause he continued:

'But I was speaking of Flanders. From the time of Charles the Fifth the
most severe laws were enacted to put down the outrages, but there was an
undercurrent of sympathy with the outrage-monger which kept the system