That was generous, and splendidly put. It seemed to me
that you must have had cases in mind."
For the second time Denzil was unable to meet the steely gaze. He
looked away and laughed.
"Oh, of course I had; who hasn't--that knows anything of the
world? But," he changed the subject, "don't you find it rather dull,
living in a place like Polterham?"
"I have my work here."
"Work?--the work of propagandism?"
"Precisely. It would be pleasant enough to live in London, and
associate with people of my own way of thinking; but what's the
good?--there's too much of that centralization. The obscurantists
take very good care to spread themselves. Why shouldn't those who
love the light try to keep little beacons going in out-of-the-way
places?"
"Well, do you make any progress?"
"Oh, I think so. The mere fact of my existence here ensures that. I
dare say you have heard tell of me, as the countryfolk say?"
The question helped Denzil to understand why Mrs. Wade was content
with Polterham. He smiled.
"Your influence won't be exerted against me, I hope, when the time
comes?"
"By no means. Don't you see that I have already begun to help you?"
"By making it clear that my Radicalism is not of the most dangerous
type?"
They laughed, together, and Quarrier, though the dialogue
entertained him, rose as if to depart.
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