see, as men attain culture, they require more than mere food and
drink and bedding, and in the same way, as nations attain to
greatness, they require more than mere territory--they reach out
and absorb power and prestige. Our decision to build the Panama
Canal is like the landing of another Columbus; the conquest is to
follow. After that will come--who knows what? Perhaps more wars,
more pillage, more injustice."

"You talk like a man," Anthony said, admiringly. "I had no idea
you looked at things in such a big way."

"You are laughing at me."

"No, indeed."

"You see, it is part of my husband's profession. As to the
romance--well, all women are romantic and imaginative, I suppose,
and you've been an inspiring listener."

"I don't know about that, but--you're a corking good talker.
Excuse my archaic English." Mrs. Cortlandt turned her eyes upon
the speaker, and he saw that they were very bright. "I've been
thinking about what you told me the other day," he ran on, "about
myself. Remember?"

"I'm glad I have the knack of making something besides football
signals stick in your memory," said she. "Have you been thinking
about that girl I spoke of?"

"Yes," he replied, ingenuously. "I've been making up my mind to