The other would say nothing, but another day a whisper to some great authority might destroy the hopes of the aspirant.

Those who would attain to power must study the inner social life, and learn the secret motives that animate men.

But to get at the secret behind the speech, the private thought behind the vote, would occupy one for years.
Marthorne, of course, having been born and bred in the circle, knew the main facts; but, when he came to really set himself to work, he quickly felt that he was ignorant, and that at any moment he might irritate some one's hidden prejudice.

He looked round for an older man who knew all about it, and could inform him.

This man he found in the person of the Vice-Chairman of the Petty Sessions.