necessary work in their lives--what effect do you suppose the sight of
them has upon men out of work, perhaps by their own fault, owing to the
same disposition to be idle that the men in the club windows have?"

"And do you think it would be any better if all were poor alike?"

"I think it would be better if there were no idle people. I'm half
ashamed that I have leisure to go every time I go to that mission. And
I'm almost sorry, Mr. Lyon, that I took you there. The boys knew you were
English. One of them asked me if you were a 'lord' or a 'juke' or
something. I cannot tell how they will take it. They may resent the
spying into their world of an 'English juke,' and they may take it in the
light of a show."

Mr. Lyon laughed. And then, perhaps after a little reflection upon the
possibility that the nobility was becoming a show in this world, he said:

"I begin to think I'm very unfortunate, Miss Debree. You seem to remind
me that I am in a position in which I can do very little to help the
world along."

"Not at all. You can do very much."

"But how, when whatever I attempt is considered a condescension? What can
I do?"

"Pardon me," and Margaret turned her eyes frankly upon him. "You can be a
good earl when your time comes."

Their way lay through the little city park. It is a pretty place in