"Amen! Since you have taken up this thing, Stephen, it is
strange how my mind has hankered after the old business, and
yet it ruined my father, and mayhap may do as bad for his
son."

"We will not think that," said Morley. "At present we will
think of other things. You may guess I am a bit wearied; I
think I'll say good night; you have strangers with you."

"Nay, nay man; nay. This Franklin is a likely lad enough; I
think you will take to him. Prithee come in. Sybil will not
take it kindly if you go, after so long an absence; and I am
sure I shall not."

So they entered together.

The evening passed in various conversation, though it led
frequently to the staple subject of talk beneath the roof of
Gerard--the Condition of the People. What Morley had seen in
his recent excursion afforded materials for many comments.

"The domestic feeling is fast vanishing among the working
classes of this country," said Gerard; "nor is it wonderful--
the Home no longer exists."

"But there are means of reviving it," said Egremont; "we have
witnessed them to-day. Give men homes, and they will have
soft and homely notions, If all men acted like Mr Trafford,
the condition of the people would be changed."