continued the younger stranger; "without that, men may be
drawn into contiguity, but they still continue virtually
isolated."

"And is that their condition in cities?"

"It is their condition everywhere; but in cities that
condition is aggravated. A density of population implies a
severer struggle for existence, and a consequent repulsion of
elements brought into too close contact. In great cities men
are brought together by the desire of gain. They are not in a
state of co-operation, but of isolation, as to the making of
fortunes; and for all the rest they are careless of
neighbours. Christianity teaches us to love our neighbour as
ourself; modern society acknowledges no neighbour."

"Well, we live in strange times," said Egremont, struck by the
observation of his companion, and relieving a perplexed spirit
by an ordinary exclamation, which often denotes that the mind
is more stirring than it cares to acknowledge, or at the
moment is capable to express.

"When the infant begins to walk, it also thinks that it lives
in strange times," said his companion.

"Your inference?" asked Egremont.

"That society, still in its infancy, is beginning to feel its
way."