“Nor should we stop at that,” replied the first, taking fire, as well he might, at the enunciation of sentiments so lofty; “mere understanding is not enough. We must have a pact, co-operation, even coalition.”
“With a common policy,” broke in the second, “resting on the best of evil and the worst of good.”
“The only difficulty,” said the first, “that I can see is one of the leadership.”
“We must not,” replied the second, “permit these wretched personalities to interfere with policies of universal benefit. Moreover, I am sure that the two forces are both too large-minded to let their personal inclinations stand in the way. And in any case, is it not possible that as a result of this great movement they may come to realise——”
“Yes,” cried the first breathlessly.
“—that they themselves are one and the same personality?”
XXII
MEN, NOT MEASURES
“WHAT is that little man with the soul like a wet umbrella, that somebody has left in a corner, doing?” inquired the lovely, though scarcely visible, presence that had unexpectedly materialised the night before in the house of the Prime Minister of Samaria.