.
    »As a Socialist candidate?« she asked, when at length he turned his eyes to
her.
    »Well, I don't know. Radical rather, I should think. It would come to the
same thing, of course, and there'd be no use in spoiling the thing for the sake
of a name.«
    Adela had a Japanese fan in her hand; she put it against her forehead, and
still seemed to consider.
    »Do you think you could find time for Parliament?«
    »That has to be thought of, of course; but by then I should think we might
arrange it. There's not much that Rodman can't see to.«
    »You are inclined to think of it?«
    Adela's tone to her husband was not one of tenderness, but of studious
regard and deference. She very seldom turned her eyes to his, but there was
humility in her bent look. If ever he and she began to speak at the same time,
she checked herself instantly, and Mutimer had no thought of giving her
precedence. This behaviour in his wife struck him as altogether becoming.
    »I almost think I am,« he replied. »I've a notion I could give them an idea
or two at Westminster. It would be news to them to hear a man say what he really
thinks.«
    Adela smiled faintly, but said nothing.
    »Would you like me to be in Parliament?« Richard asked, putting down his
foot and leaning back his head a little.
    »Certainly, if you feel that it is a step gained.«
    »That's just what I think it would be. Well, we must talk about it again.
By-the-by, I've just had to send a fellow about his business.«
    »To discharge a man?« Adela asked, with pain.
    »Yes. It's that man Rendal; I was talking about him the other day, you
remember. He's been getting drunk; I'll warrant it's not the first time.«
    »And you really must send him away? Couldn't you give him another chance?«
    »No. He was impudent to me, and I can't allow that. He'll have to go.«
    Richard spoke with decision. When the fact of impudence was disclosed Adela
felt that it was useless to plead. She looked at her fan and was sorrowful.
    »So you are going to read to the youngsters to-day
