whilst mechanically loading his pipe.

"Isn't it? And the ideas are well marked out; first the
bio-sociological theory,--then the psychology and ethics which
result from it. The book has given me a stronger impulse than
anything I've read for years. It carries conviction with it. It
clears one's mind of all sorts of doubts and hesitations. I always
kicked at the democratic idea; now I know that I was right."

"Ah! Perhaps so. These questions are very difficult--By the bye,
Dyce, I want to speak to you about a matter that has been rather
troubling me of late. Let us get it over now, shall we?"

Dyce's animated look faded under a shadow of uneasiness. He regarded
the vicar steadily, with eyes which gathered apprehension.

"It's very disagreeable," pursued Mr. Lashmar, after puffing a pipe
unlit. "I'm afraid it'll be no less so to you than to me. I've
postponed the necessity as long as I could. The fact is, Dyce, I'm
getting pinched in my finances. Let me tell you just how matters
stand."

The son listened to an exposition of his father's difficulties; he
had his feet crossed, his head bent, and the pipe hanging from his
mouth. At the first silence, he removed his pipe and said quietly:

"It's plain that my allowance must stop. Not another word about
that, father. You ought to have spoken before; I've been a burden to
you."