If the division is a close one, the question is again put off for further discussion; if the division is a wide one, the minority are asked if they will yield to the more general opinion, which they often, nay, most commonly do.

If they refuse, the question is debated a third time, when, if the minority has not perceptibly grown, they always give way; though I believe there is some half-forgotten rule by which they might still carry it on further; but I say, what always happens is that they are convinced, not perhaps that their view is the wrong one, but they cannot persuade or force the community to adopt it." "Very good," said I; "but what happens if the divisions are still narrow ?" Said he: "As a matter of principle and according to the rule of such cases, the question must then lapse, and the majority, if so narrow, has to submit to sitting down under the _status quo_.

But I must tell you that in point of fact the minority very seldom enforces this rule, but generally yields in a friendly manner." "But do you know," said I, "that there is something in all this very like democracy; and I thought that democracy was considered to be in a moribund condition many, many years ago." The old boy's eyes twinkled.

"I grant you that our methods have that drawback.

But what is to be done?
We can't get _anyone_ amongst us to complain of his not always having his own way in the teeth of the community, when it is clear that _everybody_ cannot have that indulgence.
What is to be done ?" "Well," said I, "I don't know." Said he: "The only alternatives to our method that I can conceive of are these.