In this way did Alfred begin the ‘propaganda’ at home.  Already the village was much occupied with the vague new doctrines represented by the name of Richard Mutimer; the parlour of the Wheatsheaf was loud of evenings with extraordinary debate, and gossips of a higher station had at length found a topic which promised to be inexhaustible.  Of course the vicar was eagerly sounded as to his views.  Mr. Wyvern preserved an attitude of scrupulous neutrality, contenting himself with correction of palpable absurdities in the stories going about.  ’But surely you are not a Socialist, Mr. Wyvern?’ cried Mrs. Mewling, after doing her best to pump the reverend gentleman, and discovering nothing.  ’I am a Christian, madam,’ was the reply, ’and have nothing to do with economic doctrines.’  Mrs. Mewling spread the phrase ‘economic doctrines,’ shaking her head upon the adjective, which was interpreted by her hearers as condemnatory in significance.  The half-dozen shopkeepers were disposed to secret jubilation; it was probable that, in consequence of the doings in the valley, trade would look up.  Mutimer himself was a centre of interest such as Wanley had never known.  When he walked down the street the news that he was visible seemed to spread like wildfire; every house had its gazers.  Excepting the case of the Walthams, he had not as yet sought to make personal acquaintances, appearing rather to avoid opportunities.  On the whole it seemed likely that he would be popular.  The little group of mothers with marriageable daughters waited eagerly for the day when, by establishing himself at the Manor, he would throw off the present semi-incognito, and become the recognised head of Wanley society.  He would discover the necessity of having a lady to share his honours and preside at his table.  Persistent inquiry seemed to have settled the fact that he was not married already.  To be sure, there were awesome rumours that Socialists repudiated laws divine and human in matrimonial affairs, but the more sanguine were inclined to regard this as calumny, their charity finding a support in their personal ambitions.  The interest formerly attaching to the Eldons had altogether vanished.  Mrs. Eldon and her son were now mere obstacles to be got rid of as quickly as possible.  It was the general opinion that Hubert Eldon’s illness was purposely protracted, to suit his mother’s convenience.  Until Mutimer’s arrival there had been much talk about Hubert; whether owing to Dr. Mann’s indiscretion or through the servants at the Manor, it had become known that the young man was suffering from a bullet-wound, and the story circulated by Mrs. Mewling led gossips to suppose that he had been murderously assailed in that land of notorious profligacy known to Wanley as ‘abroad.’  That, however, was now become an old story.  Wanley was anxious for the Eldons to go their way, and leave the stage clear.