"You must be aware that you have exposed yourself to heavy penalties.
I prefer, however, to think of you as a well-meaning but misguided
person. What good do you think you can do? I can assure you that
the Government are fully aware of the distress which prevails, and
will do all they can to alleviate it. If you have any grievances,
why not seek their redress by legitimate and constitutional means?"
The Secretary was flattered. He had never been brought face to face
with one of the governing classes before. He looked round;
everything was so quiet, so pacific; there were no fetters nor
thumbscrews; the sun was lighting up the park; children were playing
in it, and the necessity for a revolution was not on that particular
spot quite apparent.
A messenger now entered carrying some sandwiches and a little
decanter of wine on a tray, covered with the whitest of cloths.
"It struck me," continued the official, taking a sandwich and pouring
out a glass of wine, "when I heard of your arrest, that I should like
myself to have a talk with you. We really are most loth to proceed
to extremities. and you have, I understand, a wife and children.
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