are getting to
think of ourselves as lodgers; it's as well to be indifferent about a notice to
quit.«
    »Many people would still make a good fight for the old homes,« replied Peak.
    »Yes; I daresay I should myself, if I were a family man. A wife and children
are strong persuasions to conservatism. In those who have anything, that's to
say. Let the families who have nothing learn how they stand in point of numbers,
and we shall see what we shall see.«
    »And you are doing your best to teach them that.«
    Buckland smiled.
    »A few other things at the same time. One isn't necessarily an anarchist,
you know.«
    »What enormous faith you must have in the metaphysical powers of the
multitude!«
    »Trenchant! But say, rather, in the universal self-interest. That's the
trait of human nature which we have in mind when we speak of enlightenment. The
aim of practical Radicalism is to instruct men's selfishness. Astonishing how
capable it is of being instructed! The mistake of the Socialist lies in his
crediting men with far too much self-esteem, far too little perception of their
own limits. The characteristic of mankind at large is humility.«
    Peak began to understand his old acquaintance; he had imagined him less
acute. Gratified by the smile of interest, Warricombe added:
    »There are forces of madness; I have shown you that I make allowance for
them. But they are only dangerous so long as privilege allies itself with
hypocrisy. The task of the modern civiliser is to sweep away sham idealisms.«
    »I agree with you,« Godwin replied.
    With sudden change of mood, Buckland began to speak of an indifferent topic
of the day, and in a few minutes they sat down to dinner.
    Not till the welcome tobacco blended its aroma with that of coffee did a
frankly personal note sound in their conversation.
    »So at Christmas you are free,« said Warricombe. »You still think of leaving
London?«
    »I have decided to go down into Devonshire.«
    »The seaside?«
    »I shall stay first of all in Exeter,« Godwin replied, with deliberation;
»one can get hold of books there.«
    »Yes, especially of the ecclesiastical colour.«
    »You are still unable to regard my position with anything but contempt?«
Peak asked, looking steadily at the critical face.
    »Come now; what does it all mean? Of course I quite understand how tolerant