“You have already sworn to do your utmost in every direction.  On this one point of money, however, the various Councils have never departed from the principle that there must be no compulsion.  On any other point the Council orders; you obey.  On this point the voluntary sacrifice has, as I say, all the more merit; and it is not forgotten.  For what are you doing?  You are yielding up a superabundance that you cannot use, so that thousands and thousands of the poor throughout the world may not be called on to contribute their pence.  You are giving the final proof of your devotion.  You are taking the vow of poverty and dependence, which many of the noblest brotherhoods the world has seen have exacted from their members at the very outset; but in your case with the difference that you can absolutely trust to the resources of an immense association—­”

“Yes, as far as I am concerned,” Brand said, quickly.  “But I ask you whether I should be justified in throwing away this power to protect others.  May I appeal to Natalie herself?  May I ask her?”

“I am afraid, Mr. Brand,” said the other, with the same mild firmness, “I must request you in the meantime to leave Natalie out of consideration altogether.  This is a question of duty, of principle; it must regulate our future relations with each other; pray let it stand by itself.”

Brand sat silent for a time.  There were many things to think over.  He recalled, for example, though vaguely, a conversation he had once had with Lord Evelyn, in which this very question of money was discussed, and in which he had said that he would above all things make sure he was not being duped.  Moreover, he had intended that his property, in the event of his dying unmarried, should go to his nephews.  But it was not his sister’s boys who were now uppermost in his mind.

He rose.

“You cannot expect me to give you a definite answer at once,” he said, almost absently.

“No; before you go, let me add this,” said the other, regarding his companion with a watchful look:  “the Council are not only in urgent need of liberal funds just now, but also, in several directions, of diligent and exceptional service.  The money contribution which they demand from England I shall be able to meet somehow, no doubt; hitherto I have not failed them.  The claim for service shall not find us wanting, either, I hope; and it has been represented to me that perhaps you ought to be transferred to Philadelphia, where there is much to be done at the present moment.”

This suggestion effectually awoke Brand from his day-dream.

“Philadelphia!” he exclaimed.

“Yes,” said the other, speaking very slowly, as if anxious that every word should have weight.  “My visit, short as it was, enabled me to see how well one might employ one’s whole lifetime there—­with such results as would astonish our good friends at head-quarters, I am sure of that.  True, the parting from one’s country might be a little painful at first; but that is not the greatest of the sacrifices that one should be prepared to submit to.  However,” he added, rather more lightly, “this is still to be decided on; meanwhile I hope, and I am sure you hope too, Mr. Brand, that I shall be able to satisfy the Council that the English section does not draw back when called on for its services.”