the only one who could teach, you would indeed terrify me. The
doctrines in which I believe, however, will endure, even though I should
pass."

"Endure to be discarded and despised by all thinking men!" Lord Armley
exclaimed.

"You may be right," Maraton admitted, slowly. "I cannot say. Will you
forgive me if I make you no answer at all to-night? My thoughts are a
little confused. You have made me see myself with your eyes, and I wish
to reconsider certain matters. Before I go, perhaps you will give me
ten minutes more to discuss them?"

Mr. Foley was still a little flushed as they shook hands.

"I am glad," he declared, "very glad that you are at least going to
think over what I have said. You must have common sense. I have read
your book, backwards and forwards. I have read your articles in the
American reviews and in the English papers. There is nothing more
splendid than the visions you write of, but there is no gangway across
from this world into the world of dreams, Mr. Maraton. Remember that,
and remember, too, how great your responsibility is. I have never tried
to hide from you what I believe your real power to be. I have always
said that the moment a real leader was found, the country would be in
danger. You are that leader. For God's sake, Mr. Maraton, realise
your responsibility! . . . Now shall we go back into the gardens or
into the drawing-room? My niece will sing to us, if you are fond of
music."

Maraton excused himself and slipped out into the gardens alone. For