"Poor misunderstood philanthropist!
What a pity that that sort of benevolence has to be carried on by bribing
judges and prosecutors and legislatures, by making the poor shiver and
freeze, by subtracting from the pleasures and adding to the anxieties of
millions. One would almost say that such a philanthropy had better not be
undertaken. It is so likely to be misunderstood by the 'unruly classes.'"
"Oh, I knew you were right. I told her you must be right, that you never
wrote until you knew."
"And what was the result?"
"Well, we are making some very bitter enemies."
"I doubt it. I suspect that before long they'll come wheedling about in the
hope that I'll let up on them or be a little easier next time."
"I'm sure I do not care what they do," said Marian, drawing herself up.
"All I care for is--you, and to see you do your duty at whatever cost or
regardless of cost--" she was leaning over the back of his chair with her
arms about his neck and her lips very near to his ear--"you are my love
without fear and without reproach."
"Listen, dear." He took her hand and drew her arms more closely about his
neck. "Suppose that the lines were drawn--as they may be any day. Suppose
that we had to choose, with all these friends of yours, with our position,
yes, even the place I have won in my profession, my place as editor--all
that we now have on the one side; and on the other side a thankless,
unprofitable, apparently useless standing up for the right.
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