Sir William's remark recurred to him, and he saw an undeniable resemblance in the girl's features to those of Lady Ogram's early portrait.

He grew nervously desirous to know something about her.
Presently conversation directed itself towards the subject with which Lashmar was connected.

Sir William appeared by no means eager to discuss political or social themes, but May Tomalin could not rest till they were brought forward, and her aunt, who seemed to have no desire but to please her and put her into prominence, helped them on.
"Are you going to stand as a Socialist ?" asked the baronet of Lashmar, with some surprise, when May's talk had sufficiently confused him.
Dyce quietly explained (a shadow of the Toplady smile about his lips) that his Socialism was not Social-democracy.
"For my own part," declared Sir William, "I want to hear a little more of men, and a little less of government.

That we're moving into Socialism of one kind or another is plain enough, and it goes against the grain with me.

I'm afraid we're losing our vigour as individuals.
It's all very well to be a good citizen, but it's more important, don't you think, to be a man ?" "I quite see your point, Sir William," said Lashmar, his eyes brightening as they always did when he found his opportunity for borrowed argument and learning.