'Yes, I think I am,' she replied, with deliberation. 'The principle
seems a just one. Devotion to a really unselfish cause is rare, I am
afraid.'
'You have met Mr. Mutimer?
'Once. My brother made his acquaintance, and he called on us.'
'Did he explain his scheme to you in detail?'
'Not himself. Alfred has told me all about it. He, of course, is
delighted with it; he has joined what he calls the Union.'
'Are you going to join?' Hubert asked, smiling.
'I? I doubt whether they would have me.'
She laughed silverly, her throat tremulous, like that of a bird that
sings. How significant the laugh was! the music of how pure a
freshet of life!
'All the members, I presume,' said Hubert, 'are to be speedily
enriched from the Wanley Mines and Iron Works?'
It was jokingly uttered, but Adela replied with some earnestness, as
if to remove a false impression.
'Oh, that is quite a mistake. Mr. Eldon. There is no question of
anyone being enriched, least of all Mr. Mutimer himself. The workmen
will receive just payment, not mere starvation wages, but whatever
profit there is will be devoted to the propaganda.'
'Propaganda! Starvation wages! Ah, I see you have gone deeply into
these matters. How strangely that word sounds on your
lips--propaganda!'
Adela reddened.
Pages:
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158