“Another time, perhaps. But mind this. Be fair. You’re so brave, I see, that you can afford to be fair to all parties—friends and foes, so to call ’em. And you know a fine character when you see it, I’m sure,” concluded Philander vaguely; then he sped away, leaving the girl anxious both to hear and tell more. She did not comprehend Mr. Knox in the least, but perceived he was friendly. There was, moreover, a human ring in his voice that heartened her, and she felt the contrast keenly when she returned to the level tones and unimpassioned serenity of Jordan Kellock.
But for once she did see Kellock taken out of himself, and in a frame of mind enthusiastic and excited.
There came that evening a man to visit him from Totnes. He was an earnest and serious-minded person, well known to Jordan, and in his leisure he did secretarial work for the local branch of the Independent Labour Party. Upon that organisation, in the opinion of Kellock, the hope and future prosperity of his class now hung. By its activities alone salvation might presently be welcomed. And now his friend, acting as mouth-piece of the party, invited Kellock to deliver a lecture at Totnes, on “Our Aims and Hopes.” It was understood that county men of authority in the movement would be present, and Kellock did not need his fellow politician to point out that herein their side designed the young vatman an opportunity to show what he was good for.
“You’ll jump at it, of course, and do your very best. It may be worth a lot to you if you get ’em. Lawson and Jenkins will be there from Plymouth, and very likely Sawdye, from Newton. I’ll beat up the Totnes crowd. Give ’em an hour of your hottest stuff, and keep the shop-stewards to the front. We want to get a move on the unions all round. They’re growing a bit mouldy in their ideas; but Labour can’t stand still for them.”
“The trades unions were made for Labour, not Labour for trades unions,” declared Kellock.
“That’s right; you rub that into them.”
The young man stayed to supper, and he and Kellock soared to heights that Medora had not yet imagined. Jordan was full of life, and displayed a vivacity that he had never displayed in conversation on his private affairs. It was clear that nothing personal would ever light such fires. They were reserved for the cause and the cause alone.
When the man from Totnes had departed, Kellock addressed Medora.
“You may say that this is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me,” he began. “I didn’t expect it yet, and I must confess I’m a good bit gratified.”
“So it seems,” she said.