institution, and we have every right to flatter ourselves on the success
of its management; but in the long run this thing will not do for a
nation."

Miss Brandon looked at Vancouver with a sort of calm incredulity. Mrs.
Wyndham always quarreled with him on points like the one now raised, and
accordingly took up the cudgels.

"I do not see how you can congratulate yourself on the management of your
institution, as you call it, when you know very well you would rather die
than have anything to do with it."

"Very true. But then, you always say that gentlemen should not touch
anything so dirty as politics, Mrs. Wyndham," retorted Vancouver.

"Well, that just shows that it is not an institution at all, and that you
are quite wrong, and that we are a great nation supported and carried on
by real patriotism."

"And the Irish and German votes," added Vancouver, with that scorn which
only the true son of freedom can exhibit in speaking of his fellow-
citizens.

"Oh, the Irish vote! That is always the last word in the argument,"
answered Mrs. Sam.

"I do not see exactly what the Irish have to do with it," remarked Miss
Brandon, innocently. She did not understand politics.

Vancouver glanced at the clock and took his hat.