"We are all going to become Socialists, whether we like it or not," he said softly.
"You'll exclude Aunt Dove, won't you?" and Toney's merry laugh sounded through the room.
"So little self-control," Lady Dove was heard to murmur.
"That's me!" said Toney, nodding her head, "but as you were kind enough just now to overlook my 'bringing up,' as Aunt Dove calls it, I'll tell you about my friends. I'm going to buy Deep Hollow Farm and build a sort of a Home for stray folk that can't swim against the stream."
"Will these be your first inmates?"
"Perhaps, Mr. Russell will tabulate them all, and we'll take the worst cases. No favour, but, of course, I must help them because they took such a lot of trouble to come to-day, and because I expect they felt pretty bad before I came!"
"I think it is a noble idea, Miss Whitburn—I hope you will let me help you as much as I can. There may be some cases in which I can prove useful."
"Of course there will be. Let me see, will you come and help to tabulate? Mr. Russell groans over the work."
Mr. Lang had no intention of working hard, but he hid this intention.
"I'm at your commands, Miss Whitburn." He was wondering in what manner and how soon he could make an offer to Toney! Would she be easily won? He began to fear a title would not be a great attraction. He would have to go in for Socialism or Individualism or some 'ism, to have a better chance of getting £50,000 a year. It would be rather fatiguing, but his debts were many, and the money was worth the effort. Miss Whitburn was not likely to be particular about tying up money, and Sir Evas, her guardian, was very easy-going, and would be glad to get her well married. So argued Edward Lang, never doubting but that he would be a welcome suitor. Unfortunately many mothers with marriageable daughters were so very kind to him and had spoilt him. At the bottom he was not a bad fellow, but terribly extravagant.