“But association means division of labour, and that labour may be efficient there must be some one capable of directing it.  What the true Socialism has to keep in view is a principle of justice in the balance of rights and duties between the few who lead and the multitude who follow.  In the history of the world hitherto, the multitude has had less than its share, the ruling classes have tyrannised.  At present it’s pretty obvious that we’re in danger of just the opposite excess; Demos begins to roar alarmingly, and there’ll be a poor look out for us if he gets all he wants.  What we need above all things is a reform in education.  We are teaching the people too much and too little.  The first duty of the State is to make citizens, and that can only be done by making children understand from the beginning what is meant by citizenship.  When every child grows up in the knowledge that neither can the State exist without him, nor he without the State—­that no individual can live for himself alone—­that every demand one makes upon one’s fellow men carries with it a reciprocal obligation—­in other words, when the principle of association, of solidarity, becomes a part of the very conscience, we shall see a true State and a really progressive civilisation.

“I could point out to you the scientific (biological and zoological) facts which support this view, but very likely your own knowledge will supply them.”

He paused to smile.  That was a deft touch.  Constance, he knew, took pride in her scientific studies.

“We shall talk all this over together, I hope.  Enough at present to show you where I stand.  Is this attitude likely to recommend itself to Lady Ogram?  Do you think she would care to hear more about it?  Write as soon as you have time, and let me know your opinion.”

On re-reading his letter, Dyce was troubled by only one reflection.  He had committed himself to a definite theory, and, should it jar with Lady Ogram’s way of thinking, there would probably be little use in his going down to Hollingford.  Might he not have left the matter vague?  Was it not enough to describe himself as a student of sociology?  In which case—­

He did not follow out the argument.  Neither did he care to dwell upon the fact that the views he had been summarising were all taken straight from a book which he had just read.  He had thoroughly adopted them; they exactly suited his temper and his mind—­always premising that he spoke as one of those called by his author L’Elite, and by no means as one of la Foule.  Indeed, he was beginning to forget that he was not himself the originator of the bio-sociological theory of civilisation.

Economy being henceforth imposed upon him, he lunched at home on a chop and a glass of ale.  In the early afternoon, not knowing exactly how to spend his time, he walked towards the busy streets, and at length entered his club.  In the library sat only one man, sunk in an easy chair, busied with a book.  It was Lord Dymchurch; at Lashmar’s approach, he looked up, smiled, and rose to take the offered hand.