, who knew the house perfectly, led his mother to inspect the
stables, Mutimer remaining with Adela in the drawing-room.
    »You've been very quiet all dinner-time,« he said, taking a seat near her
and bending forward.
    »A little, perhaps. I am thinking of so many things.«
    »What are they, I wonder?«
    »Will you let me have some books about Socialism, and the other questions in
which you are interested?«
    »I should think I will! You really mean to study these things?«
    »Yes, I will read and think about them. And I shall be glad if you will
explain to me more about the works. I have never quite understood all that you
wish to do. Perhaps you will have time when you come to see us some evening.«
    »Well, if I haven't time, I'll make it,« said Richard, laughing. »You can't
think how glad I am to hear you say this.«
    »When do you expect your sister?«
    »On Tuesday; at least, I hope it won't be later. I'm sure you'll like her,
you can't help. She hasn't such looks as you have, you know, but we've always
thought her very fair-looking. What do you think we often call her? The
Princess! That's part because of her name, Alice Maud, and part from a sort of
way she's always had. Not a flighty way, but a sort of - well, I can't describe
it. I do hope you'll like her.«
    It was the first time Adela had heard him speak in a tone which impressed
her as entirely honest, not excepting his talk of the Propaganda. Here, she
felt, was a side of his character that she had not suspected. His voice was
almost tender; the play of his features betokened genuine feeling.
    »I can see she is a great favourite with you,« she replied. »I have no doubt
I shall like her.«
    »You'll find a good deal that wants altering, I've no doubt,« he pursued,
now quite forgetful of himself. »She hasn't had much education, you know, till
just lately. But you'll help her in that, won't you? She's as good-natured as
any girl living, and whenever you put her right
