'Not so!' Annabel broke in, involuntarily. 'I think it very
beautiful and very noble.'

'What book is that?' asked Paula with curiosity.

'I'll give it to you to read, Paula,' her cousin replied.

Egremont continued:

'The work of people who labour in the abominable quarters of the
town would be absurdly insignificant in comparison with what these
men might do. The vulgar influence of half-taught revolutionists,
social and religious, might be counteracted; an incalculable change
for good might be made on the borders of the social inferno, and
would spread. But it can only be done by personal influence. The man
must have an ideal himself before he can create it in others. I
don't know that I am strong enough for such an undertaking, but I
feel the desire to try, and I mean to try. What do you think of it?'

'Thinking it so clearly must be half doing it,' said Annabel.

Egremont replied to her with a clear regard.

'But the details,' Mr. Newthorpe remarked. 'Are you going to make
Lambeth your field?'

'Yes, Lambeth. I have a natural connection with the place and my
name may be of some service to me there; I don't think it is of evil
odour with the workmen. My project is to begin with lectures.