A Prince of Sinners

ud. His presence at Enton was due to an impulse, the inspiration of which he had already beg

you, Mr. Brooks," he sa

re able to take even so

unded by canvassers

ll clamouring

unspoken cordiality of the other man. He took the easy-c

he said. "I was very busy early this morning, and I shall be ag

out of doors," Arranmore rem

swered. "It was very

more asked. "Some wine and biscu

the bell, but Br

all, thank y

-an-hour," the Marquis said. "Yo

chester as soon as possible. Besides," he added, with a smile, "I am afraid whe

hoping that your visit had no object at all, and

ified in treating my visit as an impertinence when I have disclosed my errand. Lord Arranmore, I a

more

I had a visit a few d

ntleman conne

Brooks continued, quietly. "I only heard of it yesterday afternoon, but th

broad mantelpiece. Some part of the c

el

at some mistake had been made," Brooks said. "I wondered w

be explicit," th

x and seven thousand operatives and artisans in Medchester to-day who are without work through no fault of their own. It is our duty as citizens to do our best for them. Nearly every one

shrugged h

conomic and political reasons for such a state of things, and alter them. By going about and collecting money for these people you commit what is little short of a crime. You must know the demoralizing effect of charity. No man who has ever received a dole is ever again an independent person. Besides that, you are

nswered. "You did not

som

o sense of the word a sentimentalist. The distresses of other people do not interest me particularly. I have been poor myself, and I never asked for,

u saw a man drowning then, instead of trying to save him y

nless. As for the fund you speak of, I should not think of subscribing to it. It would not interest me to know that other people were provided with a safeguard against drowning. I should probably spend the money in perfecting myself in the art of swimming. Don't

at charity is a great danger. I can assure you that we are trying to realize that in Medchester. We ask for money, and we dispense it unwillingly, but as a necessary evil.

ch but for you must ring through the land, and make itself heard to every one. Let the people starve who are without means. Legislation would stir itself fast enough then. It is the only way. Charity to individu

ose from

he world is a better place for it. Your reasoning is very excellent, but life has not yet become an exact sci

m at him in amazement. The Marquis was always pale, but

I tell you that I have been down in the depths, aye, single-handed, there in the devil's own cauldron, where creatures in the shape of men and women, the very sight of whom would

. When he spoke again

from them. I will give you a cheque, Mr. Brooks, only I beg you to think over what I have said. Abandon this doling principle as soon

never forgot that single moment of revelation on the part of t

the money will be most carefully used, and amongst my party, at any rate,

e paper. He tore out a cheque, and placin

carriage in Medchester last time I was there. I hope they will not consider my cheque as a sign of we

at his mud-splashe

xcuse me," he began, but Ar

z, take Mr. Brooks into my room and look after him,

ll. Below, Lord Arranmore was idly knocking about the billiard balls, and all around him was the murmur of pleasant conversation. Br