“Race! race! my dear madam. The Dutch do not comprehend the truths hidden in symbols—that is all.”
“But why,” asked Antony, “should we have symbols when we may have realities?”
“Why? why? Always why! I think I will write a grand treatise on the Martyrs and Heroes of Holland.”
“Better, then, begin at once. Miss Witsus contemplates just such a book. She tells me that she is certain she can write it.”
“Let her cherish the simple faith to the latest day of her life. Do not encourage her in any audacious attempts to reduce it to practice. She will only lose a pleasant illusion. For my part, I spoke presumptuously, and I most humbly repent it.”
“Let us change the subject. How do you feel about the elections, Professor?” asked Antony.
“I take them as I take the weather, or any other matter beyond my control.”
“The principles of Democracy——”
“Oh, sir!” interrupted the Professor, “the principles are all right; the trouble is in reducing them to practice, for Democracy degrades statesmen into politicians.”
“The trouble is,” said Miss Alida, laughing, “we want more Dutchmen in office. They have some fixed 131 ideas about religion and politics, and they stick to them like grim death.”