you that the science of biology throws entirely new light on
sociological questions? The laws operating are precisely the same in
one region as in the other. A cell in itself is blind motion; an
aggregate of cells is a living creature. A man by himself is only an
animal with superior possibilities; men associated produce reason,
civilisation, the body politic. Could reason ever have come to birth
in a man alone?"

Lord Dymchurch nodded and mused. From his look it was plain that
Lashmar interested, and at the same time, puzzled him. In their
previous conversations, Dyce had talked more or less vaguely,
throwing out a suggestion here, a criticism there, and, though with
the air of one who had made up his mind on most subjects, preserving
an attitude of liberal scepticism; to-day he seemed in the mood for
precision, and the coherence of his arguments did not fail to
impress the listener. His manner in reasoning had a directness, an
eagerness, which seemed to declare fervid conviction; as he went on
from point to point, his eyes gleamed and his chin quivered; the
unremarkable physiognomy was transformed as though from within;
illumined by unexpected radiance, and invested with the beauty of
intellectual ardour. Very apt for the contagion of such enthusiasm,
Lord Dymchurch showed in his smile that he was listening with
pleasure; yet he did not wholly yield himself to the speaker's
influence.

"One objection occurs to me," he remarked, averting his eyes for a
moment. "The organic body is a thing finished and perfect. Granted
that evolution goes on in the same way to form the body politic, the
process, evidently, is far from complete--as you began by
admitting. Won't the result depend on the nature and tendency of