"Is that philosophy or finance?" asked Ruston, laughing again.
The Baron, who had in his day loved both the subjects referred to, drank a glass of wine and chuckled as he delivered himself of the following doctrine:
"What the public thinks a certainty, is a certainty for the public—that would be philosophy, eh?"
"I believe so. I never read much, and your extract doesn't raise my idea of its value."
"But what the public thinks a certainty, is a certainty—for the promotors—that is finance. You see the difference is simple."
"And the distinction luminous. This, Baron, seems to be the age of finance."
"Ah, well, there are still honest men," said the Baron, with the optimism of age.
"Yes, I'm one—and you're another."
"I'm much obliged. You've been in Omofaga?"
"Oh, yes. And you haven't, Baron."