“Then leave it to them to take the first step. And in the meantime we’ll get legal advice.”
“Murfin comes down on Friday.”
“Easy to stop him.”
“The vicar won’t consent to that, I’m afraid.”
“No, I suppose not. But if you love this country you will do your best to restrain a profoundly stupid man.”
Plain, common-sensible Dr. Joliffe thought the line of argument a little high-flown, and said so in a tone of scrupulous kindness.
“I don’t overstate,” said Brandon. “Let me explain my meaning. The Republic is rising to a height of moral grandeur that few would have dared to prophesy for her. But as always, there is a flaw in her armor. The enemies of the light are seeking it, and if they should find it there is absolutely nothing between this world and barbarism.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” Dr. Joliffe shook a grave head.
“I can tell you that she is about to treat her most august citizen as Rome, her great prototype, treated Another.”
Dr. Joliffe continued to shake his head. Not only was he puzzled, he was rather distressed by such an extravagant statement. “How I wish I could get your mind off this subject!” he said.