“It is more hard than ever now, is it not?” put in the baron, from across the table.
“It is harder than ever all over Europe,” said Selden. “This generation will never know the old ease.”
“That is true,” agreed the baron; “yet, with proper guidance, some nations will emerge more quickly than others. What our little country needs is, first of all, a firm and experienced hand at the helm, and, secondly, capital to revive its industries, repeople its pastures and fertilize its fields. With those, it will be the first nation in Europe to find its feet again.”
“Undoubtedly,” said Selden; “but where is the capital to come from?”
“Do you really think he is right?” asked Myra Davis, in a low voice.
Selden was conscious that the eyes of the whole table were on them, and that the whole table was waiting for his answer.
“Yes, I really believe so,” he said.
“And that the people would be happier?” she persisted.
Then he understood. Here at least was one of the forces urging her forward. But it would take millions—she should understand that.
“Yes,” he said slowly, with a strange sense of responsibility. “They would be stronger, perhaps, if compelled to work out their own destinies. But not happier. Certainly they would be glad to have the way cleared for them. But to do it effectively would take a large sum—a very large sum—many millions.”