"
"And you think our land system's going to last on these terms?" said
Boden, his eyes flaming.
The little Tory opposite drew himself up.
"It's not the system--it's the man."
"The system's judged--that permits the man."
"Melrose is unique," said Barton, hotly; "we are a model county, but for
the Melrose estate."
"But the exception is damning! It compromises you all. That such a place
as Mainstairs should be _possible_--that's the point!"
"For you Socialists, I daresay!" cried Barton. "The rest of us know
better than to expect a perfect world!"
Boden laughed, the passion dying from his face.
"Ah, well, we shall have to make you march--you fellows in possession. No
hope--unless we are 'behind you with a bradawl!'"
"On the contrary! We marched before you Socialists were thought of. Who
have put the bulk of the cottages of England in repair during the last
half century, I should like to know--and built most of the new ones? The
landlords of England! Who stands in the way of reform at the present
moment? The small owner. And who are the small owners? Mainly Radical
tradesmen."
Boden looked at him--then queerly smiled. "I daresay. I trust no
man--further than I can see him. But if what you say is true, why don't
you Conservatives--in your own interest--coerce men like Melrose? He's
giving you away, every month he exists."
"Well, Tatham's at it," said Barton quietly; "we're all at it. And
there's a new agent just appointed.
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