"Your most ardent socialist," said Jimmy, "won't dream of pooling his money till the millennium. What would be the use of my setting to work and cutting out some poor devil who wants it?"
"Mightn't you go into parliament?" suggested Bridget.
"Original minds there are at a discount."
"Is your mind original?"
"An independent member is certain to be shunted at the first opportunity," said Jimmy. "They want men who think in droves."
"There's the army," returned Bridget. "At least you might learn how to defend your country."
"Yes, I have done that," he said, as they reached Hyde Park Corner. "I used to be in the —th Hussars. Unfortunately, I got a rather bad sunstroke in India. That may account for any small eccentricity you notice."
"I was wondering," answered Bridget.
"As I had to come home," he explained, "and to keep quiet for I don't know how long, I sold out. Since then I've raised a troop of yeomanry at Atlinghurst. I have a place there, you know."
"Surely you might find a useful occupation in its management!"